Richard To Put ‘Turbo’ into IU rushing attack
Pete DiPrimio | IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Sometimes a name isn’t just a name, it’s a window into potential, ability and, in the case ofTurbo Richard, truth.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is a fan.
“That’s a nice nickname for a running back,” he says.
Speed was obvious early on for this new Hoosier running back, showing itself while Richard was a youth in track and football. His given first name, Hanovii, didn’t quite fit.
“I was 9-years old,” the junior says about the nickname’s origin. “I kind of use it as a way to describe my game. You know, being fast, explosive, and just being able to shoot out of a cannon out of the backfield. It’s something that will catch someone's eye.”
Richard, a transfer from Boston College, pauses for a smile.
“I also feel like it's a very cool nickname.”
The 5-foot-9, 204-pound Richard burst into prominence last season when, as a sophomore, he rushed for 749 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 30 passes for 213 yards and two TDs. That was a big jump from his freshman season, when in eight games he rushed for 278 yards and two touchdowns.
Those numbers resonated with Cignetti, whose winning culture -- a 27-2 record with a national championship in two Hoosier seasons -- focuses on production over potential. With IU losing running back standouts Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black -- both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and both are now on NFL rosters -- he wanted another proven performer.
Richard fit.
“I liked his Boston College stuff,” Cignetti says. “He was productive. He had juice. Good hands. Caught the ball out of the backfield, Good work habits.
(Running backs coach John Miller) thought he’d be a potential leader and he’s shown that as well. I like the things he’s done on the practice field.”
Richard says his improvement from freshman to sophomore came from “working on the details part of my game.”
“It’s being on top of that. It’s stacking days, constantly staying in the film room and doing on-the-field work. You have to be smart and stay on top in your head as much as your legs.”
Richard projects to be part of a running back rotation with Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe Jr. It’s Cignetti’s preference to keep everyone fresh and productive, and it works. The Hoosiers have had one of the Big Ten’s best rushing attacks -- and overall offenses -- in each of the last two seasons under the direction of Cignetti and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan.
“It's a great system and culture here,” Richard says. “It’s about being fast, physical, and relentless. That was kind of something I was looking for; I'm just grateful to be here.
“Having a rotation helps saving a guy’s legs. We’re not getting worn out on the field. Also, it can help you push each other to get better. It’s a brotherhood in the running back room.”
Cignetti and Miller had tried to recruit Richard to James Madison out of Northwestern High School in North Carolina, where Richard became the school’s career rushing leader as well as an all-state track performer with a 100-meter state title on his resume. It didn’t work out then, but it did last winter after Richard entered the transfer portal.
“It was good they way Coach Cig came from JMU and turned this program around,” Richard says. “I believed in him.”
Also, Richard adds, “Coach Miller believed in me from the start.”
Former IU running back Justice Ellison, who is now on the IU staff in offensive quality control focused on running backs, also has made a big impact.
“I first met Coach Ellison at a camp where he helped me out,” Richard says. “I was already building that relationship with him and Coach Cig and Coach Miller. They’re there for me and believe in me.”
Richard says he’s building chemistry with the offensive line.
“It’s getting to know them and let them know where I’m from. It’s little stuff off the field to build that on-the-field-connection so that everyone has each other’s back.”
That’s true for all the Hoosiers.
“Everyone gave me a warm welcome,” Richard says. “They showed me how they do it here in the running back room and here at IU. I'm grateful for that. They welcomed me with open arms and showed me the way.”