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Jalen Richard is the new Darren Sproles

By Gagan Aujla

Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs on kick off return during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs on kick off return during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders rookie running back Jalen Richard, an undrafted free agent, is the NFL’s newest version of Darren Sproles.

Coming out of Southern Mississippi, Jalen Richard was not a highly-touted prospect. Why would he be? Richard was listed at 5’8” and just over 200 pounds, hardly the mold for an NFL running back. Only very few have had success with similar measurables.

In Richard’s career at Southern Miss., he accumulated over 2,700 yards from scrimmage, which included 1,098 yards rushing and 16 total touchdowns his senior year. Pretty strong if you ask me.

In the 2016 NFL Draft, there were 20 running backs drafted, but even with productive collegiate numbers, Richard did not hear his name called. Days later, Richard got a call from the Raiders about a three-day tryout. Not a camp invitation — a tryout.

I’m sure this had to hurt Richard’s ego. I mean, who’s wouldn’t be hurt? The guy rushed for over 1,000 yards his senior year and yet did not get drafted or contacted by any team other than the Raiders.

Sure enough, Richard put his head down and went right to work. Richard excelled in his tryout and was invited to training camp. But the thinking by most was “he can’t possibly make the team as an undrafted free agent running back, right?” — especially when the Raiders drafted running back DeAndre Washington in the 5th round out of Texas Tech.

Richard quickly became a name that was often mentioned on ‘Raiders Twitter’, thanks to the reports out of camp praising Jalen as a potential diamond in the rough. But Raider Nation would have to wait for Jalen’s official debut due to him banging up his knee in training camp, which cost him valuable practice reps as well as keep him out of the first three preseason games.

No way, no how does this guy make the final roster. He would be lucky to get a practice squad spot, right?

Richard stayed patient, and got his opportunity to show what he was capable of on the Raiders final preseason game, and he most certainly took advantage. Richard was solid when running the ball as well as catching passes out of the backfield. He really left his mark when he returned his only punt for 25 yards. That alone was enough to get Richard on the team, due to the fact that the Raiders had not had an effective return man for quite some time.

On September 3rd, 2015, Richard would find himself on the Raiders final 53-man roster. Crazy, right?

In a crowded backfield, Richard’s touches would be very limited. He would have to make the most out of every touch to show the Raiders that he truly belonged. In the Raiders season opener, Jalen would get to go back to his home state of Louisiana and play against his hometown team. With the Raiders down 27-19 and in need of a spark in the running game, here came Richard. In his first career carry, he took it 75 yards to the house. The Raiders would go on to win the game, and Richard probably felt like he on Cloud 9. It was too good to be true.

Let’s fast forward to Week 15. Richard has now solidified himself as the No. 2 running back, and has been a great change-of-pace back to complement Latavius Murray. On the season, Jalen is averaging 5.7 yards per carry with 386 yards rushing, which ranks 5th among rookie running backs.

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Wait, 20 running backs were drafted ahead of this guy? Am I missing something? Oh, that’s right. It’s the fact that Richard is “undersized”.

Richard’s body figure and size is comparable to that of Darren Sproles, who is listed at 5’6″ and 187 lbs., slightly smaller than Richard.

When Sproles was selected by the Chargers in the 4th round, he made his money in the return game and gained a reputation as someone you should kick away from. Richard is on a trajectory to achieve the same thing, thanks to his total of 627 return yards on 28 combined punt and kick return attempts. If it weren’t for Tyreek Hill, Richard would most likely get the Pro Bowl nod as a return specialist.

A few years into in his career, Sproles would become a vital cog in the run game, proving himself as a worthy complement back behind LaDainian Tomlinson. The only difference here is that Sproles did not become a featured back until his third year in the NFL. Richard has already taken on that role in his rookie season, on top of his returning duties and contributions as a pass catcher. If you ask me, Richard is far ahead of schedule.

The main part in Richard’s game that makes him so comparable to Sproles is the potential of impact plays. Every time Richard touches the ball, there is a sense of confidence that he will make something happen, whether it is making a defender miss, or simply just gaining positive yards on every touch. It feels like he is a threat to take the ball to the house whenever the ball is in his hands.

Richard has definitely proven to be a diamond in the rough and arguably the Raiders’ best rookie. He might not ever be the bell-cow running back everyone pays attention to, or a running back that will rush for 2,000 yards in a season, but he is at least one thing — a great football player, that just happens to be listed at 5’8″ and 207 lbs.

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