NEW ORLEANS – NCCU head coach Trei Oliver criticizes HBCU Legacy Bowl Team Gaither’s play call, resulting in injury to Eagles’ quarterback Davius Richard.
Oliver posted, “I promise he would not have played if I knew that those _______ coaches were going to run him! He should never have left the pocket, you want to run hand it off the those all-American backs. Make it make sense.”
Oliver clarified his position and thoughts with this social media post:
— Trei Oliver (@CoachTOliver) February 27, 2024
Richard ran left on the play near the goal line and scored the first points of the all-star game by plunging into the endzone. However, a defender twisted Richard and fell on top of him during the play, causing a dislocated right ankle. The artificial turf could have contributed to the injury as well.
Prayers for Davius Richard. Injured on his touchdown run. @HBCULegacyBowl @hbculegends pic.twitter.com/OpVfOYcDUa
— HBCU Legends (@hbculegends) February 24, 2024
Reports have his projected recovery time to be up to 6 months. Richard’s rehabilitation timetable may delay his readiness for NFL training camps and put him at a disadvantage compared to other rookies who have already participated in mini-camps and workout sessions.
Richard had an impressive week at the 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl from the HBCU Combine on Monday, through the days of practice and the game’s first drive, which resulted in the touchdown – and his injury.
No one knows how Richard’s injury will affect his value in the 2024 NFL Draft. He remains a great prospect, and his momentary setback shouldn’t discourage NFL teams from considering him in the draft or signing Richard as an undrafted free agent.
Related: BREAKING: Darius Richard Injured At HBCU Legacy Bowl
