Ball State University Athletics
All-Access: Football's Center of Attention
November 03, 2015 | Football
Despite the famous phrase, in football the offensive center doesn't get that much attention. Maybe if he's caught for holding or there comes a bad snap you see him, but when the center does his job you rarely notice he's there. Though that's what makes Ball State's Jacob Richard perfect for the job, actually. He's all about what gets done when nobody's looking. Glory isn't really his thing.
A fifth-year senior and two-year captain, Richard initially came to Ball State as a walk-on in 2011. The Connecticut native had zero FBS offers out of high school and again out of prep school. But he believed enough in himself and Ball State took a chance. It was a chance on an undersized, under-recruited player that just wanted an opportunity.
In Muncie Richard got that chance, and after sitting his rookie year he found himself starting along with senior Dan Manick as a redshirt freshman. He's never looked back. Richard's started 34 consecutive games, is an All-MAC performer, sits on the Rimington Trophy watch list and is a national semi-finalist for the Campbell Award. He hopes to get a shot in the NFL.
Take a look at this Ball State All-Access feature on the Cardinals center, Jacob Richard.
Ball State football is next in action Thursday night at Western Michigan. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports Network and on the Ball State Federal Credit Union Cardinals Radio Network, 104.1 WLBC. For more information, follow the Cards on Twitter @BallStateFB and @BallStateSports.
