July 2, 2012

TUCSON - Junior Shaquille Richardson, a member of the University of Arizona Wildcat football team, has been named to the 2012 College Football Performance Awards, it was announced by the association on Monday.

Richardson, a native of Carson, Calif., was named to the 2012 CFPA Defensive Back Trophy Watch List. In 2011, he recorded 10 starts and finished the season with a team-high four interceptions (73 yards) and 47 tackles, plus broke up five other passes and forced a fumble. He had a career-high nine tackles against Oklahoma State and two interceptions in the Oregon State game, one taken back 28 yards for a score earned him College Football Performance Awards honorable mention defensive back of the week.

He joined the UA program for the start of camp in August 2010 and made a big splash with action in all 13 games as true freshman. Richardson played on coverage teams and earned three starts against WSU, USC and Oregon. His debut start in the game in Pullman came with two interceptions, a season-high seven tackles and career-best three PBUs to earn Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors and a national nod as the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week.

Arizona football will open the season on September 1, facing Toledo at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Tickets are available at the McKale Center Ticket office, by visiting ArizonaWildcats.com or by calling 520-621-2287.