Kyle Whittingham compares Anthony Richardson to Cam Newton

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The comparisons are going to come whether Anthony Richardson wants them to or not. While Richardson would love to finish his college career as a National Champion and Heisman winner like Cam Newton, those are some massive shoes to fill.

Newton began his career at Florida before transferring to Blinn Community College. He led Blinn to a National Championship before enrolling at Auburn, where he did the same thing again during a Heisman campaign.

Kyle Whittingham was quick to note the similarities between the two quarterbacks.

“You have to account for the QB in the run game every single down. The guy reportedly has 4.3 speed. At that size, it’s incredible. It’s Cam Newton-ish type of numbers with his physical stature and his ability to run,” Whittingham said at his Monday press conference. “That’s something that the defensive staff is well aware of and that’s gotta be taken into account in virtually everything you do.” 

Whittingham is not one to throw praise around without thought. He isn’t going to downplay a talent, but a Utah beat writer told Gators Online that Whittingham was “gushing” over Richardson on Monday.

“The quarterback is outstanding. I know there’s not a big body of work, but some people are projecting him as a top-10 pick this coming draft. He’s obviously got a ton of ability,” Whittingham said. “A big kid. 6-4, 240-pounds, and really fast. He’s going to be a handful for us.”

Napier has tried to temper expectations of Richardson

Florida first-year coach Billy Napier has been quick to halt this exact type of comparison. Being compared to Newton comes with the expectation to have his 2010 campaign. Napier has pointed out, on several occasions, that this Saturday will be just the second start of Richardson’s career. He’s completed just 39 passes in his career.

“I’m very pleased with Anthony’s attitude and approach,” Napier said Monday. “I think he’s really worked hard to have a better comprehension of the system, a lot of reps. If you think about offseason program, you think about spring practice, training camp. … I think he’s bought in to this.”

Richardson’s health and success are tantamount to Florida’s success this season. The redshirt sophomore quarterback had a string of injuries last season but has managed to stay healthy during fall camp. Doing that while in a non-contact jersey is one thing, but that will change on Saturday.

Richardson’s legs will come into play against Utah. BYU starting quarterback Jaren Hall torched the Utes for 92 yards on eight carries in a week two win in 2021. Utah is utilizing freshman quarterback Nate Johnson as its Richardson role on the scout team. Johnson is fast, running an official 10.3 in the 100 as a high school senior. He isn’t, however, nearly as big in stature as Richardson.

“Nate’s done a great job as our scout quarterback. He’s taken the vast majority of the reps as the scout team guy. Brandon Rose has also supplemented those reps. But Nate’s the guy that gives us a realistic look,” Whittingham said. “Nate doesn’t have the size that this guy has, he certainly has the speed.” 

Richardson doesn’t have to be Cam Newton. He just needs to be the best version of himself, something Napier will continue preaching to him all the way up to the coin toss Saturday.