Brian Kelly discusses surprise development of Colby Richardson this preseason

Brian Kelly sees Colby Richardson playing a role in the LSU secondary this season. A transfer out of McNeese State, Richardson has earned that right based on his physical development since arriving in Baton Rouge.

Although the cornerback was just 167 pounds when he transferred, Kelly said he hit the weight room to add much-needed strength this offseason. That hard work is finally paying off, as Richardson ran with the first team defense in a scrimmage Wednesday at fall camp.

“A lot of things had to transpire,” Kelly said. “First of all, he put on close to 20 pounds. His summer workouts were outstanding. We saw this natural athlete that really was not ready to compete at the physical level of the SEC transform himself physically. We saw speed right away, but he was 167 pounds. So he wasn’t physically strong enough to compete at this level. Now 188-190, he certainly has now developed himself into a guy that’s gonna play football for us.”

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After joining McNeese State in 2017, Richardson went on to become a starter for the Cowboys the past two seasons. Last year he finished with 22 tackles, two interceptions, three passes defended and one forced fumble.

Colby Richardson isn’t the only transfer cornerback that Brian Kelly added this offseason, though. LSU also hit the transfer portal to bring in Ohio State corner Sevyn Banks and Greg Brooks Jr. from Arkansas. Kelly said Wednesday that he also sees Oklahoma State safety transfer Jarrick Bernard-Converse seeing time at cornerback.

With so many new faces, the LSU secondary will hope to improve after finishing 11th in the SEC against the pass this past season. Thanks to his effort in the weight room this offseason, Richardson figures to be a key part of that effort. The Tigers are scheduled to kick off the 2022 season on Sept. 4 against Florida State.