By Bob Suttton
Special to The Alamance News
It was understandable to be fixated on quarterback play in recent Williams seasons.
It’s probably a good idea to keep a good eye on running back Amarion Richmond, too.
His role has been huge for the Bulldogs and that won’t likely change for his senior season.
“I’m still going to carry it a lot,” Richmond said.
There are times when he’s put in a workhorse role from the backfield. He said 20 to 25 carries a game would be ideal.
A year ago, Richmond gained 1,081 rushing yards, scoring 10 times on the ground and three more on pass plays.
He said Williams’ versatile offense can be a boost.
“We got the same game plan going into this season,” Richmond said. “Same thing as last year – running the ball, throwing the ball.”
Richmond, a 168-pounder, gained more than 800 yards on the ground as a junior. He has scored a total of 13 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.
Williams had 16 players score at least one touchdown during the 2024 Central 3-A Conference championship season. Richmond could benefit if the production continues to be spread out.
Yet the Bulldogs will be counting on Richmond doing his things.
“He’s just a straight dog,” slot receiver William Overby said. “I wouldn’t want anybody else back there except him. . . I see him when he runs by my block to the end zone. I like that sight. His mentality, he wants to go out there and just be him and show everybody what he is.”
The Bulldogs are breaking in new offensive linemen and receivers. That adds to the value of having Richmond in the backfield.
“That’s a great thing to have Amarion back there,” quarterback Kyrian Fuller said. “I look at Amarion as an all-around running back. You can just put him anywhere.”
