The Cleveland Browns knew before they drafted running back Trent Richardson that he’s an impressive physical specimen. Richardson showed off a rare burst of speed and power in college, and his exploits in the Alabama weight room were legendary. But the Browns’ coaches were still taken aback when they got an up-close look at him on the practice field when the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend.
“I think everybody is amazed,” Browns running backs coach Gary Brown told Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com.
If anyone on the Cleveland staff knew how powerful Richardson was, it’s Brown -- he’s the guy who got knocked on his keester by Richardson at Alabama’s Pro Day.
“He lifted me off my feet. I just knew at that point that kid is a powerful, powerful young man,” Brown said.
Browns head coach Pat Shurmur was also impressed.
“Wow!” Shurmur said when asked about Richardson. “He’s a very powerful man. He’s powerfully built. Don’t let the 5-9 fool you. He’s almost 230 pounds. That’s a lot of muscle packed into that body. I just think he’s got a very powerful build, much like we thought, and it shows up on the field.”
The Browns will be counting on it to show up on the field for about 20 carries a game this season.