Richardson grew up in effort, Pennsylvania and attended Bethlehem Catholic High School, where he played basketball and football.[1] He became the Golden Hawks' starting quarterback going into his sophomore season and completed 120 of 218 pass attempts for 1,543 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.[2] As a senior, Richardson passed for 1,317 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions and also rushed for 534 yards and six touchdowns.[3] He committed to play college football at Penn.[4]
College career
Richardson played in four games during his freshman season as he transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver.[5][6] He became a starter entering his sophomore season and was named first-team All-Ivy League after finishing the year with 67 receptions for 788 yards and eight touchdowns, all of which were second in the conference.[7] Richardson caught 46 passes for 684 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior and was named second-team All-Ivy League.[8][9] He was named first-team All-Ivy League a second time as a senior after catching 80 passes for 1,033 yards with 12 touchdown receptions.[10] After the end of the season Richardson entered the NCAA transfer portal.[11]
Richardson transferred to Duke for his final season of collegiate eligibility.[12]