Drafting the Devils 2018: Demario Richard picked up as UDFA by Atlanta Falcons

Former Sun Devil running back Demario Richard signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on Saturday afternoon.

In Richard’s Tempe tenure he compiled 3,864 yards from scrimmage and 33 total touchdowns in four seasons.

In his senior season, the 5-10, 219-pound back ran for 12 touchdowns and averaged 5.3 yards from scrimmage.

Richard’s production declined steeply his junior season coinciding with ASU’s offensive struggles as he only averaged 3.8 yards a carry and managed only three total touchdowns.

Richard had many highlights during his Sun Devil tenure, but none more memorable than his 63-yard run against the Colorado Buffaloes last season setting up the game sealing touchdown. The home win against Colorado netted ASU’s fifth win, putting the Sun Devils in a strong position to gain bowl eligibility. Richard also ran for a season high 189 yards during the win against CU.

Richard profiles as a complimentary running back at the next level, due to his limited size and his lack of speed to break deep runs in the open field. Richard’s greatest attribute is his ability to keep his balance off an initial hit as well as excelling in pass blocking.

With Richard’s departure, the Sun Devils now have seven running backs on the roster, but most of them don’t have experience at the college level. Eno Benjamin and Trelon Smith will pick up the lion’s share of the work at running back.