Ramon Richards Refuses to Be a Backup

As one of the backups behind All Big-12 defensive back Kevin Peterson and veteran Ashton Lampkin last season, Richards saw his playing time diminish drastically from his true freshman season. Part of that, he admits, is complacency he battled in his second year in Stillwater.

“Last year was a learning experience,” Richards told ESPN’s Brandon Chatmon. “I got comfortable, got complacent with being a backup.”

However, heading into his junior year, Richards has shown a more urgent approach in his preparation, and it doesn’t seem to be going without notice. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has seen a shift in his mindset in spring camp that is paying dividends.

“He is hungry and he has a great attitude,” Spencer told Scout earlier this week … “He has had a terrific spring. I really believe that.”

He was reportedly a high performer in last weeks first scrimmage, making a couple of big plays including an interception and an impressive sequence. And his improvement has caught the eye of Mike Gundy.

“He’s fast, he’s had enough reps to get a feel,” Gundy told Scout. “He seems to realize the commitment it takes day in and day out.”

Said Richards: “This year, I refuse to be a backup.”