Some context for Anthony Richardson's measurements and athletic testing numbers from the NFL Combine over the weekend:

The first guy Richardson grew up modeling his game after – Cam Newton – checked in at the 2011 NFL Combine at 6-foot-5, 248 pounds; he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash, had a 35-inch vertical and 126-inch broad jump. The second guy – Lamar Jackson – didn't test at the 2018 NFL Combine, but in all likelihood would've tested well.

"Growing up it was always Cam Newton for me," Richardson said. "But then when I got to high school, just seeing how dynamic Lamar was. I tried to implement both of those guys in my life. I started calling myself Cam Jackson in 11th grade, just trying to make big plays. Just Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson."

Richardson made plenty of big plays at Florida – he had nine passing touchdowns of 40 or more yards (including four of 70 or more yards) and five rushing touchdowns of 40 or more yards (including 80- and 81-yarders).

"I feel like I had the strongest arm that I've ever been around," Gators wide receiver Justin Shorter, who was on the receiving end of 51- and 75-yard touchdowns from Richardson in 2022, said at the NFL Combine.

Shorter also described Richardson as "very, very smart" and as someone possessing the right mentality to be an NFL quarterback. Richardson on Friday acknowledged his low completion percentage at Florida – 53.8 percent – while explaining what he's working on to improve his accuracy through the pre-draft process.

"Using my hips," Richardson said. "A lot of people say I have a big arm and I do believe so. But you can't just muscle the ball around all the time, because that's not going to work. You've got to be tuned up. You've got to be tuned in with your mechanics and using my hips, that definitely helped me out a lot."

Still, Richardson's lack of experience (13 starts) and low collegiate completion percentage have led plenty of folks to label him a "project." That's a descriptor on which Richardson pushed back last week.

"I don't even know what that means, 'project label.' But I'm willing to bring anything and everything that they need from me," Richardson said. "I'm going to work hard. I'm going to be dedicated to my craft. And I'm just going to be a leader in that organization. So just grow and continue to grow."

Project or not, Richardson last week was asked about his ambitions for his NFL career – wherever he winds up getting drafted.

"I see myself, you know, I want to be a legend," Richardson said. "I want to be like Patrick Mahomes. I want to be like Tom Brady. I want to be one of the greats. I will be one of the greats, because I'm willing to work that hard and get to that point. And so, to answer that question, I feel like I'm going to be one of the greats in the next few years."

Anthony Richardson / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Have the Carolina Panthers moved up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft to risk it all for Florida's exciting quarterback Anthony Richardson?

The shockwaves are still reverberating around the NFL after a major power play by the Carolina Panthers. General manager Scott Fitterer now controls the 2023 NFL Draft after striking a deal with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall selection, which was done with a view to finally solving their quarterback conundrum once and for all.

This was as bold as it gets for Fitterer, who wants to stamp his own mark on the Panthers after getting the final say on personnel matters. Something that the front office figure didn't have when Matt Rhule was around.

Moving up was the easy part. Picking the right quarterback is a completely different ball game and something Carolina must get right in no uncertain terms.

There's a growing sense that it'll be between Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud for the top pick. However, there is a big wildcard that should also be factored into the equation.

Carolina Panthers could gamble it all on Anthony Richardson

That, of course, is Anthony Richardson. The 2023 NFL Draft's biggest feast-or-famine quarterback prospect.

Richardson has all the athletic intangibles to become an NFL star. The gradual growth displayed during his first season as Florida's starting quarterback was encouraging, which was matched by a historic showcase of physical prowess at the NFL Scouting Combine to further raise his stock.

Many anticipate Richardson to be among the first players drafted based on potential. His dual-threat capabilities are proven and once some technical flaws get ironed out, the arm strength is sufficient enough to become highly productive at the next level.

It might take some time - although far less than many anticipate based on his current career trajectory. The Panthers now get the first refusal from No. 1, but did they risk it all to draft Richardson over more accomplished commodities?

Carolina won't be giving anything away just yet, so the notion cannot be dismissed. ESPN's draft insider Todd McShay also hinted that rumors around league circles regarding Richardson being their guy.

""We still don't know which signal-caller Carolina will target, and it could truthfully be any of the top four names. I've even heard a little buzz about Carolina being interested in Florida's Anthony Richardson, who is a raw prospect but is coming off a huge combine performance.""

- Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst

Fitterer leaves nothing to chance. But keeping everyone guessing at this juncture is the best scenario.

However, it would be a huge shock if the Panthers went with Richardson over Young or Stroud. They need help right away and didn't give up significant draft capital plus star wide receiver D.J. Moore for someone to sit on the sidelines right out of the gate.

Asking Richardson to step in Week 1 could be detrimental to his overall career prospects. So if the Panthers went down this particular route, then finding a capable veteran to man the plate is of critical importance.

This move doesn't get done unless Carolina has one or at the very most two prospects in mind. Otherwise, what's the point in doing it just to move down?

Young and Stroud are at the front of the queue. Richardson could be No. 3 on their list, but selecting him over the aforementioned duo is a franchise-altering gamble that could go either way.

While it can't be ruled out, drafting Richardson atop the pecking order would be nothing short of astonishing.

There was relief in his return because even though Anthony Duclair trusted everything he did to get return from his torn left Achilles tendon, he couldn’t quite be certain it was all going to be pay off until he finally suited up for the Florida Panthers, and dashed up and down the ice a few times in his first game.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” the right wing admitted. “This is my first time being out long-term, and I didn’t know how the body would react.”

By the end of the first period of his first game last month, any of those concerns were gone. Duclair held up fine and, with an assist, was probably the single biggest bright spot for the Panthers in their otherwise-frustrating loss to the Sabres. A few days later, he capped off a crucial win against the Lightning on Tuesday by scoring an empty-net goal, and he has kept building since playing 25 shifts in a loss to the Predators on Thursday and 22 in Florida’s 4-1 win against the Penguins on Saturday.

Eric Staal waits and sets up Anthony Duclair for the empty netter for Duclair's first goal of the year!#TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/xNifhWvPJM

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) March 1, 2023

The production only tells a piece of the story, though. The eye test is imperfect, but Duclair is passing in the eyes of teammates and, most importantly, his coach.

“It does look different to me from my recollection of his game as an opposing coach and then from video,” Paul Maurice said Saturday. “There are way more elements to his game now than just his speed.”

The coach’s eyes aren’t deceiving him, both Duclair and some numbers agree. In his very first game back, Duclair laid five hits on Buffalo — a single-game career high for the 27-year-old Canadian — and he already has three blocks in four games after totaling only 38 in all of last season. The forward is stronger than he has ever been, Duclair said, and it’s letting him play a different, more well-rounded style than he did for the first seven-plus years of his NHL career.

“I wanted to take that time to come back,” he said, “not only come back the same player, but better.”

The injury happened in the middle of the summer and immediately it was clear it would devastating. At an offseason workout in Montreal, Duclair tore his left Achilles and he knew it was bad as soon as he felt it tear. He had surgery a few days later and went on the shelf. He knew it would keep him out for the majority of the 2022-23 NHL season.

Duclair admitted he “had some bad habits before, which led to the injury.” He wasn’t totally diligent in taking care of his body to the extent a high-level athlete can — concerns about his work ethic dogged him throughout the first half of his career and are a big part of why he played for five teams in six years before he got to Sunrise in 2020 — and so he committed to changing things in the last seven-plus months, especially since he was unable to run or skate for a long stretch of his rehabilitation.

One result, he hopes, will be a more durable body. Another is already clear: He’s a more complete player than he was before the injury.

“He looks stronger and bigger. He had six months to work out and he worked out hard,” Maurice said. “He’s powerful on the ice and he’s doing things—taking pucks to the net, driving out of corners—that I don’t think was necessarily part of his game.”

These new components make it easier to play him top-six minutes in any given game. Even in his first few years with the Panthers including his 31-goal season last year, Duclair had his ups and downs, sometimes playing next to All-Star center Aleksander Barkov on the top line and sometimes getting dropped all the way to the fourth. His defense was a work in progress, and if opponents sat back to try to deny breakaways and counteract his speed, Duclair wasn’t always suited to play in other styles.

It still has only been four games, but this version of Duclair — a more willing defender and less reliant on getting rush chances — is noticeably different and it’s why Maurice will again have him playing on the top line Tuesday when the Panthers (31-27-6) host the Vegas Golden Knights (38-19-6) at 7 p.m. at FLA Live Arena.

Florida touted Duclair as its major trade-deadline acquisition — especially since the Panthers were the only team not to make any moves after the calendar flipped to 2023 — and as cliche as it is, it’s almost true.

The trade deadline is typically a time for postseason contenders to add a new piece to their mix and hope the new addition will help spark a run. If Florida can make up its three-point gap in the final 18 games to make the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, Duclair, as the only thing to really change for the Panthers since the start of the year, will deserve a ton of credit.

“He’s been outstanding,” general manager Bill Zito said Friday. “What he’s experiencing is he comes off and he feels like, I did it again, and it’s not pain. It’s just discomfort with the scar tissue and for him to do that, it’s a big deal.”

According to ESPN’s Todd McShay (subscription), the Indianapolis Colts will select Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the 4th overall pick in his recent 2023 NFL Mock Draft (*which just followed the Chicago Bears’ blockbuster trade of the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers):

4. Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

It’s time for a long-term solution at QB for the Colts, considering no team scored fewer points than Indianapolis (15.8 per game) last season, the team’s fifth straight season with a new Week 1 starter under center. And the Richardson hype train is just hitting full steam, plowing through Indianapolis last week. Looking at combine results since 2006, he posted the best quarterback vertical (40.5 inches) and broad jump (10-foot-9) and then rolled out a scorching 4.43-second 40, which tied for the fourth-fastest time at the position over that span. Richardson capped off his big day by showcasing his huge arm in the throwing portions of the workout.

His physical traits are exciting, and if coach Shane Steichen can work with him on his footwork and accuracy, the sky’s the ceiling. On one hand, Richardson threw 17 touchdown passes — including three of 40-plus air yards — and rushed for an FBS QB-high 6.4 yards per carry in 2022. On the other, he completed 54.7% of his throws over 13 career starts. The upside comes with risk, and I do think he might need more time to develop before taking over as an NFL starter — which means the Colts could be active in the QB free agent market, too. But if the 6-4, 244-pound signal-caller can put it all together, sign me up for big-time throws to Michael Pittman Jr. and highlight-reel runs on Sundays in Indy.

The listed 6’4” 232 pound redshirt sophomore completed 176 of 327 pass attempts (53.8%) for 2,549 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions during 12 starts for the Gators in 2022. He also amassed 654 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns on the ground.

Having just blown up at the NFL Combine—even more than initially expected, there’s no question that Richardson is the most athletically gifted quarterback of anyone in this year’s draft class (and really, he’s up there with any quarterback historically all-time). His potential and upside is simply enormous at the next level, as he could become an NFL superstar.

That being said, not without significant risk.

With limited starting experience and still clearly developing as a passer, Richardson remains a bit raw throwing the football, so there’s still a fairly low floor here—as he may be the ultimate ‘boom or bust prospect’ of any quarterback prospect in this year’s NFL Draft.

As McShay mentions, he needs to further refine his footwork and accuracy, but that’s something that can be improved upon with good coaching and some development time.

However, in addition to his rocket launcher of an arm, Richardson has also shown surprisingly strong pocket presence for such a young and inexperienced starting quarterback. He also has the unique improvisation and playmaking ability to escape pocket pressure and extend plays.

His special ability as a runner is well documented, as he demonstrates vision, speed, strength, and explosiveness in the open field, as easily the best dual-threat quarterback coming out in this year’s draft class (and really in recent memory).

If new Colts head coach Shane Steichen is hoping to find his next ‘Jalen Hurts,’ then Richardson is easily the best option—as he can tailor a dynamic rushing offense that along with star running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, features RPOs, play-action, etc. that will keep defenses guessing, off-balance, and make the Colts very difficult to stop on the ground (*assuming they can shore up starting right guard). He has the arm strength to prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box too, as he can make them pay downfield if they’re not staying honest.

Even if it requires some initial patience (and perhaps growing pains in the passing game), Richardson has the youth, athleticism, and upside to eventually be a Top 5 starting quarterback in the NFL, and if there’s a ‘hill to die on’ among all the best quarterback prospects this year, that’s not necessarily a bad one to bet on all things considered.

Quite frankly, he’d be a fine pick at #4, especially if both Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud are already off the board for the Colts. If the Colts are going to swing, they may as well swing big and for the fences—as Richardson can ultimately be an elite franchise QB.

+10000

Greensboro, N.C. (theACC.com) – Florida State and Georgia Tech will open the 2024 football season in Dublin, Ireland, in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, the Atlantic Coast Conference announced today. The game, which will be the ACC opener for both schools, will be held Aug. 24, 2024, at Aviva Stadium, and Georgia Tech will serve as the home team.

This will be the second time two ACC schools have opened the season in Dublin. Georgia Tech, which is making its second appearance in the Aer Lingus Classic, downed Boston College, 17-14, in the 2016 version in Dublin. This will mark the first international game in the storied history of Florida State football.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes at Florida State and Georgia Tech to expand the reach of ACC football and play in front of an international audience,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “We appreciate the flexibility of both Florida State and Georgia Tech, and thank our partners at Irish American Events for making this game a reality. The ACC is recognized around the globe for the combination of outstanding athletics and academics at its member institutions. We look forward to and are excited about showcasing these two teams and our incredible conference to the fans in Dublin.”

"The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is fast becoming a popular fixture in the Irish sporting calendar, with supporters from America, Ireland and beyond gathering in Dublin to enjoy the atmosphere and high-quality college football,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD. “The game will provide a huge boost to tourism and hospitality in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming the teams and supporters of Georgia Tech and Florida State University to the Aviva Stadium in August 2024."

Georgia Tech will hold a press conference today at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the game. Florida State will hold its press conference on March 21 at 10 a.m.

The game is being organized by Irish American Events Ltd. (IAEL). Anthony Travel/On Location and Corporate.ie partnered together in 2016 to create the Aer Lingus College Football Classic through the formation of IAEL. IAEL aims to bring American college football to Ireland each year to promote Ireland as a travel destination, and 2024 will be the third consecutive season that college football begins its season with a game in Dublin between two prestigious teams.

IAEL most recently took gold in the Best Collaboration between Public and Private Sector category at the 2023 Invest in Ireland Awards and has been previously recognized as the Best International Sports Event (Federation of Irish Sport Sport Industry Awards, 2016), Best Major Event (Irish Tourism Awards, 2017) and Best Sporting Event (Event Industry Awards, 2017).

“After tremendous success in 2022 with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic leading the Irish tourism recovery post-COVID, we are absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Ireland in 2023 and now to announce this exciting matchup between ACC foes Florida State and Georgia Tech in 2024,” said John Anthony, Co-Founder of the Aer Lingus Classic and Executive VP, Collegiate of On Location. “We are excited to welcome Georgia Tech back again and look forward to introducing Florida State and Seminole fans to the spectacular people and beauty of Ireland."

Statements from Florida State & Georgia Tech: Florida State Head Coach Mike Norvell: “I am so excited for our student-athletes, coaches, staff, administration and fans for this opportunity. When this idea was first presented to me, I was immediately intrigued by a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the people in our program. The way the 2024 season lays out with a third open date, the trip made sense from a football perspective as well. Very few people have the chance to travel to a different continent and experience another culture, much less take an entire team, so I am appreciative of everyone’s hard work and support to make this game happen.”

Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford: “Florida State is a global brand, and this game further enforces that. This game allows us to provide an unmatched athletic and cultural experience for our student-athletes while representing Florida State on a global stage. I am looking forward to seeing our fans in Dublin while also making new fans across the Atlantic. We are appreciative of all the efforts that have already gone into the planning of this game and are excited for what is to come over the next year and a half.”

Georgia Tech Director of Athletics J Batt: “Georgia Tech is excited and grateful for the opportunity to return to Ireland and play ACC rival Florida State in the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic. More than 12,000 Tech fans made the trip to Dublin to see the Yellow Jackets defeat Boston College in 2016, and we’re looking forward to a large contingent of Jacket fans crossing the pond once again to cheer on Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium. As one of the world’s most renowned institutions and one of college football’s most recognizable programs, it’s a natural fit for the Yellow Jackets to be on the international stage, and we can’t wait for our student-athletes and fans to experience the culture of the Emerald Isle.”

Georgia Tech Head Coach Brent Key: “Being selected to play in the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic is a great opportunity for Georgia Tech football. It’s a unique chance for our student-athletes to experience a new culture, for our fans to support us at an incredible destination and for Georgia Tech to further promote our Institute, athletics department, students and alumni on a global stage. It’s also a great platform for the ACC to showcase our brand of football and what makes us one of the top conferences in college football. It’s a long way away, and we have a lot of things to focus on in the meantime, but we’re excited for today’s announcement.”

College Football (FBS) Games in Ireland 1988 Lansdowne Road Stadium Dublin Boston College 38, Army 24 1989 Lansdowne Road Stadium Dublin Pittsburgh 46, Rutgers 29 1996 Croke Park Dublin Notre Dame 54, Navy 27 2012 Aviva Stadium Dublin Notre Dame 50, Navy 10 2014 Croke Park Dublin Penn State 26, UCF 24 2016 Aviva Stadium Dublin Georgia Tech 17, Boston College 14 2022 Aviva Stadium Dublin Northwestern 31, Nebraska 28 2023 Aviva Stadium Dublin Navy vs. Notre Dame 2024 Aviva Stadium Dublin Florida State vs. Georgia Tech