Getting to know BYU football signee, 3-star LB Cael Richardson (Class of 2021)

Cael Richardson is a BYU football signee for the Class of 2021, signing with the Cougs on December 16, 2020. 

Richardson is a 6-foot-1 230 pound linebacker and defensive end that prepped at Timpview High School (Orem, Utah).  As a senior he had 126 solo tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three passes defended, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, and three sacks (MaxPreps).  As a junior he had 99 tackles (91 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions (one being a pick six), and one fumble recovery. As a sophomore he recorded 43 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two passes defended and an interception. 

Richardson was a three-year team captain and named to the All-State first-team as a senior.  He also wrestles, placing second in state (5A) both his junior and senior seasons (UtahWrestling.org). He runs a 4.8 forty, has a 31-inch vertical, can bench 315 and squat 445 pounds (HUDL).  

Richardson is rated 3-stars by 247Sports, who rank him as the no. 40 overall recruit from Utah in the Class of 2021. He has seen recruiting interest from Boise State, Cal, USC, Utah, and Utah State with scholarship offers from Adams State, Northern Colorado, and Penn.  Richardson is currently serving an LDS mission in Chile and will join the Cougs for the 2023 season.

I caught up with Richardson to ask him about his recruiting.

BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?

Richardson:  Because it was the best place for me to grow and develop on and off the field.  They have an amazing coaching staff that will push me to my limits and help me become the best player I can be.  I have tons of teammates who are all going to play at BYU as well and I’m excited to be able to play with them again.  I can also stay close to home and stay close to my family which is a huge deal for me.

BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?

Richardson:  University of Pennsylvania, USC, Utah, Boise State, Utah State, and Cal

BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?

Richardson:  Movies: Braveheart, Hot Rod, Creed 2, The Dark Knight; Books: Book of Mormon, The Compound Effect, Relentless; Music: country or 2000s R&B

BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?

Richardson:  Ray Lewis (LB, Baltimore Ravens) and Luke Kuechly (LB, Carolina Panthers).  I love the intensity that Ray plays with and I love how Luke is a student of the game and always knows what’s happening before it happens

BYU Insider: Is there anything else you’d like Cougarfans to know about you?

Richardson:  I took a preferred walk on spot at BYU over offers from other schools because I know that I can earn my spot here no matter where I start.  I’m excited to prove myself and compete for a spot when I get back from my mission.

If you have any additional information or insight about this recruit, please include it in the comment section below.

About Tyler Christensen 784 Articles
Tyler Christensen is a teacher, sports writer, speaker, and ultra-marathon runner. He is the founder of BYU Insider, D1 Recruiting, Virtual School Assembly, and After the Run. When he's not writing or speaking, he's spending time at home in southern Utah with his amazing wife and four children.
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