Marcus Benjamin @_benjaminmoney
Many of us marveled at the ability of Oxbridge Academy (West Palm Beach, FL) quarterback Gio Richardson at the 3A state championship game against Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL) in Orlando. He played in a thrilling game that day that came down to the final seconds as Chaminade kicked the game winning field goal to claim the state title. Richardson was vital in keeping his team in the game as it seemed the last team to possess the ball would be crowned as champions.
Although Richardson suffered a tough defeat that day, the future continues to look bright for one of the best quarterbacks in South Florida. Richardson committed to Florida Atlantic University and is looking to become an even better quarterback under the guidance of head coach Lane Kiffin.
“I know he came here to create a different program,” said Richardson. “I believe he can change the program at FAU and I just wanted to join that movement. I already have their playbook and went over some film with the coaches. Their offense is very similar to what I do at Oxbridge.”
Although young Gio is already focused on competing at a high level on the next level, Richardson still has unfinished business with his current team at Oxbridge and relishes at the thought of getting a chance at a re-match against Chaminade. The two teams also met in the playoffs the previous two years where Chaminade defeated Oxbridge 30-13 in 2016, but Oxbridge started the recent series with a 32-24 victory.
“It was one of the biggest games I’ve ever experienced in Orlando,” said Richardson. “We are two and one playing Chaminade and I want to get back at them. I know we will be back next year.”
Richardson is rated as a three star dual threat quarterback by 247 Sports. He shows tremendous ability of keeping his eyes downfield and throwing on the run. He credits this ability to his experience playing baseball.
“Baseball is a main reason why I can get out of the pocket and make throws on the run. I used to play shortstop before my ninth grade year and it really helps me to find receivers downfield.”
One of the best quarterbacks in South FL shows you why with game tape. https://t.co/zwZKEfILlG
— Marcus Benjamin (@_BenjaminMoney) June 16, 2018
Gio scored 33 touchdowns during his junior season and is looking to score more during his senior season. He has a very similar game to the number one overall NFL draft pick and 2017 Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. Both are similar in size and ability and both seemingly played with something to prove to the world. At 6’1” 200 pounds, Richardson is out to prove that he is not only a top five quarterback in South Florida, but one of the best quarterbacks of the 2019 recruiting cycle.
“I think many don’t realize that I’m a top five quarterback because of my height. I was at a camp at FSU and a quarterback from Alabama had 20 plus offers and I felt we were the same quarterback.
The decision to stay close to home was an easy one for him and his family as FAU offered the young signal caller during his sophomore year.
“They believed in me when I was a sophomore,” stated Richardson. “I wanted to be close to my family and it’s great to stay home.”
Oxbridge travels to Lakewood, CA to open the 2018 season.
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