News:Clifton Richardson has decided to transfer, the school announced on Thursday.
Analysis:Clifton Richardson was plagued by injury as a sophomore, but this is a blow to the Cavaliers' backfield. He represented the only big, power back the team had. Kevin Parks value gets a nice bump as he'll likely get as many carries as he can handle. At least until top recruit Taquan Mizzell gets up to speed.
News: Richarson (medical) is questionable to play Saturday at North Carolina State, according to The Sabre.
Analysis: Another bump in the road for Clifton Richardson, who's missed considerable time already due to a hamstring injury. His inability to get on the field has severely stunted his development, and his dynasty value is falling as a result.
Virginia RB Richardson Sees First Extensive Action
News:Clifton Richardson ran five times for 15 yards Saturday at Duke.
Analysis: He's no longer a redshirt candidate, so expect his role to increase moving forward.
News:Clifton Richardson didn't dress for Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech, notes Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress.
Analysis: So much for Clifton Richardson nearly health, and playing this season. At this point, it's anyone's guess as to Richardson's status regarding a redshirt season.
UVA RB Richardson Nearing Full Health, Should Play
News:Clifton Richardson (hamstring) is nearly fully healthy, and should play again this season, running backs coach Mike Faragalli tells Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress.
Analysis: This decision is likely heavily motivated by the Cavaliers struggling ground game. As a result, Clifton Richardson is worth monitoring over the coming weeks, as the big, bruising back can play himself into a meaningful role quickly.
News:Clifton Richardson's (hamstring) status for the remainder of the season remains unknown, with a final decision expected before October 6th's game against Duke, according to Andrew Ramspacher of The Daily Progress.
Analysis:Clifton Richardson saw action for the first time last week, but can still receive a medical redshirt if he doesn't see any further time. He's status will likely depend as much on Virginia's (in)ability to run between now and then, as much as it will Richardson's health.
News:Clifton Richardson (hamstring) saw his first carry of the season Saturday at Georgia Tech after missing the previous two games for UVA.
Analysis: It went for just one yard, but Clifton Richardson also saw time as a kick returner. He's obviously healthy, and not heading towards a redshirt, but is also a ways away from making a real impact.
News:Clifton Richardson didn't play Saturday against Richmond due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Analysis: Three different tailbacks found the end zone for the Cavaliers anyway. Head coach Mike London hasn't been concerned about Clifton Richardson's absence, citing his knowledge of the playbook. However, with three backs healthy and capable, it's fair to question if Richardson will see touches this season. A redshirt season isn't out of the question.
News:Clifton Richardson has been fighting a hamstring injury all August, and sat out Wednesday's scrimmage as a result, notes the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Analysis: Head coach Mike London doesn't seem concerned, noting Clifton Richardson's knowledge of the offense. That said, there's now a clear seperation between Richardson and the two backs ahead of him, Perry Jones and Kevin Parks. Richardson is only an option in dynasty leagues.
News: Virginia running backs Perry Jones and Kevin Parks have a terrific matchup Saturday against a Maryland defense which ranks 118th nationally against the run, giving up 234.8 yards per game.
Analysis: Maryland also just suspended DL David Mackall indefinitely, which can't help. With quarterback Michael Rocco now taking more than a majority of snaps and providing the offense some balance, Parks and Jones should have a field day in College Park. Heck, I'm starting third string tailback Clifton Richardson as a flex play in my ACC/SEC league - the matchup is that good.
News: Virginia running back Perry Jones had 149 yards on just 18 carries against Georgia Tech. He added 37 yards on three receptions.
Analysis: Jones didn't score, giving way to both Kevin Parks and Clifton Richardson, but he was the Wahoo's best option for a second week in a row. Parks' presence zaps Jones' upside, but he's got two consecutive 100+ yard outings, and is finding his groove.
News: While running back Kevin Parks (probable, ankle) sat out Saturday's game against Idaho, Virginia running back Perry Jones stole the show, running 21 times for 110 yards and a score, while adding seven receptions for 41 yards and another score.
Analysis: Frosh Clifton Richardson carried 11 times for 70 yards. This is a terrific example of why college injury reports, especially for non-conference games, can be incredibly misleading. The Wahoos enter a bye week before taking on a porous Georgia Tech rush defense. Parks should be good to go by October 15th.
News: Virginia running back Kevin Parks apparently suffered an undisclosed injury in last week's game against Indiana.
Analysis: That's about all we know, and a quick Google search didn't yield much more information. It's pure speculation, but it is interesting that head coach Mike London is talking about an increased role for freshman Clifton Richardson. We'll let ya know if we come across anything concrete, and welcome your comments should you have any secret sources!
