RELEASE: Richardson Declaring for the NFL Draft

Wolfpack offensive tackle Will Richardson has decided to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.  Richardson was a redshirt junior in 2017.
 
"It's been great to watch Will grow as a person and as a player," said head coach Dave Doeren.  "The 'Band of Brothers' is a special group and Will was an integral part of their success. Although we would love to have Will back for his senior season, we support his decision and wish him nothing but the best in his professional career."

 Richardson, a second-team All-ACC choice, did not allow a sack or a quarterback pressure in his 11 games played this season.  He led the Wolfpack offensive line that ranked third in the Power 5 in sacks allowed with just 13. The Burlington native played every snap in NC State's eight ACC games in 2017 and helped pave the way for the Wolfpack's back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers (Matthew Dayes in 2016, Hines in 2017).
 
 "I'm so thankful to all my coaches and the staff here at NC State who have helped me grow on and off the field," said Richardson. "I will always be proud that I was one of the original Band of Brothers and my teammates will be my brothers for life.  I want to especially thank Coach Doeren and Coach Ledford for their support."
 
Richardson plans to return to NC State to finish his degree.