Counting Down the Top Ten: #9 - Kalena Richardson

Kalena Richardson (right) practices his technique with Eric Huswick (left).

As every hardcore football fan does, I’ve realized more and more as the years go by that the offensive and defensive lines of a given team serve as the engine that makes the car go. If you want your car to go to the District playoffs, you better make sure it has a big engine, and also a good blindside tackle. Or whatever. I think I lost the metaphor.
The point being, although it isn’t the sexiest position, the guys in the trenches more often than not have an inordinately large effect on winning or losing football games. With that said, Coach Tom Tri must be excited to know that his 2009 roster will be stocked with several hoss lineman, not the least of which is the Hawaiian Beast Kalena Richardson, who transferred in from perennial power Archbishop Murphy prior to last season.

Richardson had a very successful junior campaign, starting from day one at center. Richardson brings prototypical size and strength to his position – clocking in last year at a reported 6’1, 230 – Richardson will probably be even bigger after the offseason conditioning program.

The one area Richardson will look to improve on is snapping accuracy. Coach Tri had a quick hook last year, replacing Richardson with senior Zach Teuber after a few errant snaps. If Richardson masters the shotgun snap, I see no reason he can’t have an all league type season while quarterbacking the Lake Stevens offensive line.

Richardson will also likely be counted on to provide some help along the interior of the defensive line as well in 2009.

Previously: 10. PK Arvid Isaksen