Justin Shorter praises Anthony Richardson's improved confidence

It can be difficult to be a first-year starting quarterback. Growing pains are to be expected. However, for Florida’s Anthony Richardson, the growing pains have been even more frustrating because of his clear potential. Now, wide receiver Justin Shorter is seeing growth in Richardson’s play, particularly in his confidence.

While speaking to the media, Justin Shorter praised Richardson’s improving confidence throughout the season.

“I’d definitely say his confidence in his ability to throw and his arm,” Justin Shorter laughed while pointing out Richardson in the back of the room.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“I’d definitely say his confidence. You know, I feel like, now, he can just rip the ball and put it there. He’s definitely confident with his reads and everything.”

On the season, Justin Shorter and Anthony Richardson have connected for 14 catches and a touchdown. That one touchdown came in Florida’s most recent game against Eastern Washington. However, Shorter’s most productive game came against Tennessee. For his part, Richardson has struggled in the passing game, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, though he’s improved in recent weeks.

Justin Shorter was a five-star recruit in the Class of 2018, while Anthony Richardson was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2020.

Justin Shorter on his connection with Richardson

Along with talking about Anthony Richardson’s improved confidence, Justin Shorter also spoke about the connection that the pair have together.

“All the work that you do in the dark is going to come to the light eventually,” Justin Shorter said. “Just all the work that we’ve put in really since last year,” Shorter said. “Since I’ve got here we’ve been throwing multiple times, the same stuff over and over and over and over again. Now it’s just starting to show on the field. That’s the work just starting to pay off.”