One-year starter ... returns as the starting tight end ... excellent blocker at the tight end position ... reliable receiver and provides a big target for the quarterback.

1998: Started every game for the Bears ... ranked fourth on the squad with 18 catches for 173 yards ... also tallied three touchdowns on the season ... scored the first TD of the season with a 15-yard reception against Adams State (Sept. 5, 1998) ... tallied two catches for 24 yards and a TD against Western State (Sept. 12, 1998) ... registered a team-high three catches against South Dakota (Oct. 10, 1998) ... posted four catches for 29 yards and a TD in the BearsÕ four-overtime win at Minnesota State (Oct. 17, 1998) ... had four receptions for 32 yards in the quarterfinal loss to Northwest Missouri State (Nov. 28, 1998).

1997: Saw action in seven games as a backup to Andy Haase ... had four catches for 30 yards with a long of 11.

1996: Played in eight games ... tallied four receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.

1995: Redshirted.

High School: Three-year starter at Butte High School, where he was a two-time all-conference selection ... had 31 catches for 350 yards in 1994 ... also lettered in track and basketball, earning all-conference basketball honors as a senior ... HS coach: Jon McElroy.

Personal: Born December 26, 1976 in Butte, Montana ... son of Ron and Debbie Richards ... majoring in accounting.

RichardsÕ Career Statistics
YearRec.Yds.Avg.TD
199646416.01
19974307.50
1998181739.63
Totals2626710.34