Heading to the NFL Draft

Big Shelly Richardson is heading to the NFL Draft.The University announced Richardson’s decision to forgo his senior year at Mizzou to make himself available for the draft.This comes on the heels of a break out season for the Tigers, leading all SEC defensive tackles in tackles, while ranking second on MU’s team overall with 75 tackles. In 24 games with Missouri, Richardson totaled 112 tackles in all.”This has been my dream ever since I was a little kid,” said Richardson. “It’s still not easy leaving Mizzou like this, but I know I’m ready. I really appreciate all of the support I got here at Mizzou, and I know that they will help me and my family with this next step. I’ll always be a Tiger,” he said.Richardson will become the sixth player under Coach Gary Pinkel to toss their hats into the draft early. Starting in 2005 both C.J Mosley and Damien Nash left followed by Jeremy Maclin in 2009. Most recently Aldon Smith and Blaine Gabbert were drafted in the Top Ten of the 2011 NFL Draft.”I’ve always said that when guys have opportunities like these, if they’re ready to go, then they should go,” said MU Head Coach Gary Pinkel. ” have no doubt that Sheldon is ready to play in the NFL, and while we’d love to have him for another year, the important thing is that this is the right decision. It will be fun watching him play on Sundays,” Pinkel said.