Connor Richardson sets up for a touchdown pass in the Greenwave's state championship victory.
The stock might have doubled in value for Connor Richardson.
The senior quarterback who helped guide the Greenwave to their first state championship in 37 years was named to the Rivals.com’s Nevada 2016 All-Prospect Team this week. Richardson, who started as a wide receiver and defensive back as a junior, stepped up this past season to lead Fallon to an undefeated league season, capped by a state title over Moapa Valley in November.
The all-Nevada team covers all four of the state’s classes, including Division I. Fallon competes in the Division I-A, which is the second largest class.
Richardson, though, was humbled by the recognition.
“Truly honored. I agreed with everything they’re saying,” Richardson said. ”I had a great season, and they recognized that. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re No. 1.”
Richardson posted one of the best seasons in school history after completing 68 percent of his passes for 2,788 yards, a Division I-A record, and 34 touchdowns. He also ran for 585 yards and seven touchdowns as Fallon’s read-option facet of the pistol offense frustrated opponents throughout the entire season.
“No. 1 – that’s really big. I know there are lot of great players out there, and a lot of great quarterbacks out there,” Richardson said.
But for Richardson, a multi-sport athlete in the middle of the basketball season, this honor could help give him more exposure to the bigger schools. He said he’s had some good looks and offers from Division II’s Colorado Mesa as well as a few NAIA schools.
“Being a rural Nevadan has kept him off of the radar of larger schools, but he has NAIA offers from College of Idaho and Eastern Oregon,” according to the story on Nevadaprepreport.com, which is affiliated with Rivals.com.
The dream for Richardson has always been playing at the Division I level, especially at Nevada. But with the Wolf Pack’s overloaded quarterback group, Richardson said he is hoping for an opportunity on the West Coast.
“My dream’s always been to go D1,” he said. “Sometimes things don’t happen your way. I’m just trying to get a scholarship to pay for my education. That’s my most important goal right now.”
The pieces will need to fall into place accordingly if the Fallon gunslinger wants to achieve his dream and play next fall on the biggest stage in college football. Being named the state’s top quarterback, though, could pay dividends for Richardson.
“I hope it helps out. It should help out being the No. 1 prospect coming out of the state of Nevada,” Richardson said.