BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –– Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Newcomer of the Year after a stellar 2024 campaign that saw him emerge as the conference's premier passer.
Richardson led the SWAC in several key statistical categories, completing 70% of his passes while throwing for 2,662 yards and 23 touchdowns. His consistent play helped guide the Rattlers to a winning season, as he averaged 221.8 passing yards per game.
The transfer quarterback demonstrated remarkable efficiency throughout the season, posting a 155.9 passer rating that ranked 14th in the nation. Richardson's command of the offense was evident in his conference-leading 19.25 completions per game.
Daniel Richardson National Rankings
Completion Percentage - 70% (4th)*
Passing Yards - 2,662 (14th)*
Passing Efficiency - 155.9 (14th)
Passing Touchdowns - 23 (16th)*
Completions Per Game - 19.25 (22nd)*
Passing Yards Per Game - 221.8 (23rd)*
*first in SWAC
Richardson's impact was immediate and sustained, as he led Florida A&M to several key victories, including comeback victories versus Norfolk State and South Carolina State. Richardson also led the Rattlers to a homecoming victory versus Texas Southern, where he threw for five touchdowns, and a Florida Classic victory, throwing a touchdown in that game.
The quarterback's season included six games with more than 250 passing yards and five with three-plus touchdowns.
250 Yards+ Passing Games
286 - Norfolk State (8/24)
282 - South Carolina State (8/31)
288 - Troy (9/21)
274 - Southern (10/26)
267 - Texas Southern (11/2)
259 - Mississippi Valley (11/16)
3+ Touchdowns Games
3 - Norfolk State (8/24)
3 - South Carolina State (8/31)
3 - Alabama State (10/5)
3 - Jackson State (10/19)
5 - Texas Southern (11/2)
Richardson earned HBCU National Player of the Week twice and was named a Walter Payton Award and HBCU+ Player of the Year Finalist. Richardson was also invited to play in the HBCU Legacy Bowl.
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