One of the most prolific quarterbacks in North Carolina Central and HBCU history has earned his chance to play at the professional level.
Davius Richard, a two-time MEAC player of the year and the North Carolina Football News‘ 2023 Most Valuable Offensive Player, signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League on Thursday, according to multiple reports. The UFL is an eight-team spring league that comprises former XFL and USFL franchises and completed its first season in June.
—> READ MORE: Davius Richard named NC Football News’ Offensive Player Of The Year
—> READ MORE: North Carolina Central picked to win MEAC
Richard, from Belle Glade, Fla. (Glades Central HS) amassed 8,991 career passing yards (73 TDs, 29 INTs) and 2,026 rushing yards (44 TDs) during his time at NCCU. He set multiple school records and earned multiple conference and All-America honors, including prestigious academic awards as a business administration major (3.59 GPA).
Richard declared for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season, but teams shied away after he suffered an injury in the HBCU Legacy Bowl. UFL teams also bypassed Richard in its recent draft, though to be fair very few non-FBS players were picked.
North Carolina Central coach Trei Oliver said at this past Tuesday’s MEAC Media Day that Richard has been in “good spirits” as he mends from the injury. He was recently cleared to upgrade his training regimen, one step closer to being ready to take the field.
“He’s training right now,” the coach said. “He’s still around the team, working out.”
Houston, formerly an XFL franchise, finished 1-9 this past spring in the debut season for the UFL. Richard could be a key part of the Roughnecks rebuild under new general manager Will Lewis.
“This is an excellent pickup for Houston – an organization that desperately needs to turn things around in almost every single position group,” said James Larsen from Pro Football Newsroom. “Now, they’re bringing in a dual-threat QB who many thought would end up on an NFL roster. Richard was sensational throughout his college career.”
Richard was a Walter Payton Award finalist in 2022 and again last year. He shared HBCU Player of the Year honors in 2023 with Florida A&M’s Jeremy Moussa.
“It’s evident that a dual-threat quarterback is what Houston needs, so signing a player with the caliber and potential of Davius Richard is a massive step in the right direction.”
