Michigan State University Athletics
Michael Richard
SR. | S | 5-11 | 185
New Orleans, La. | Edna Karr High School | Louisiana Tech (2023-25)
Transfer safety from Louisiana Tech has one season of eligibility remaining . . . played in 34 games for the Bulldogs, including 22 starts . . . recorded 104 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, three interceptions and 11 pass break-ups . . . has played more than 1,500 snaps (1,523) on defense . . . was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2023 and also earned second-team Freshman All-America honors.
2025 SEASON (JUNIOR AT LOUISIANA TECH): Started 11 games at safety . . . posted career highs in interceptions (3), tackles (39) and TFLs (5.0 for 19 yards) . . . also had three pass break-ups for six passes defended overall . . . played 603 snaps on defense and 87 on special teams . . . recorded his third interception of the season and had five tackles and a PBU vs. Liberty (11/22) . . . registered two tackles, including 1.5 for losses (9 yards), to go along with a pass break-up vs. Western Kentucky (10/21) . . . had a career-high 2.0 TFLs (6 yards) with five stops overall against Kennesaw State (10/9) . . . had an interception, pass break-up and four tackles vs. UTEP (9/27) . . . collected five tackles against Southern Miss (9/20) . . . impressive all-around game at LSU (9/6) with a season-best six tackles, including a half tackle for loss, while recording his first interception of the season.
2024 SEASON (SOPHOMORE AT LOUISIANA TECH): Played in 10 games with five starts at safety . . . played a total of 467 snaps on defense and 59 on special teams . . . collected 33 tackles (14 solo, 19 assists) . . . had one TFL (2 yards) . . . also had a pass break-up . . . had two tackles against Army in the Independence Bowl (12/28) . . . recorded three stops at Arkansas (11/23) . . . had five tackles against Middle Tennessee State (10/10) but suffered an injury and missed three games . . . recorded a career-high 11 tackles at FIU (9/28) . . . collected four tackles, including a 2-yard TFL, at NC State (9/14) . . . broke up a pass and posted two stops vs. Nicholls (8/31).
2023 SEASON (FRESHMAN AT LOUISIANA TECH): Named the Conference USA Freshman of the Year . . . earned second-team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic and was also named to the CUSA All-Freshman Team . . . played in all 12 games with six starts . . . led all CUSA freshman with seven pass break-ups . . . tied for sixth in the CUSA overall in PBUs . . . according to PFF, opponents completed just 40 percent of passes against him in coverage . . . ranked fourth among all CUSA defensive backs with a 83.5 grade from PFF . . . recorded 32 tackles, including 1.5 TFLs (5 yards) . . . returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the season finale against Jacksonville State (11/18) . . . had five tackles with a half TFL vs. Sam Houston (11/11) . . . broke up two passes and recorded four tackles vs. Liberty (11/4) . . . had a season-high seven tackles vs. North Texas (9/16) . . . broke up a career-high three passes and had four tackles against Northwestern State (9/9) . . . posted four stops with a 5-yard TFL at SMU (9/2).
HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked one of the top players in the state of Louisiana in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports (No. 72) . . . helped lead Edna Karr High School to a 7-4 record, including a 6-1 mark in district play as a senior in 2022 . . . was an all-district and all-state selection as a senior . . . recorded 100 tackles, eight interceptions, 12 pass breakups, two blocked punts, three sacks and a tackle for loss in his high school career . . . member of the state championship team as a freshman in 2019.
Pronunciation: REE-shard