UCF RB Mark-Antony Richards declares for the 2024 NFL Draft
After three seasons at UCF following the start of his career at Auburn, Mark-Antony Richards has ended his time at the collegiate level.
Richards shared the news in a post on social media on Friday morning. With five seasons under his belt, he has officially elected to enter the 2024 NFL Draft.
“First and foremost, I will like to thank God for the abilities and path that he has set me on. In these past five years, I have experienced ups and downs. Many lessons were learned and I truly have left a much stronger person,” wrote Richards in his announcement. “I want to thank Auburn and UCF for the love that I received during my time there. At both schools, I have made memories that will last a lifetime.”
“To my family and friends – thank you all for the love and support you have showed throughout my career. I honestly wouldn’t be here today without each of you,” Richards continued. “I have decided that my time at UCF is up and it is time for me to pursue my dreams of getting to the National Football League. With that being said, I am going to train and declare for the NFL Draft.”
In total, Richards rushed for 418 yards and six scores on 77 carries during his time with the Tigers and Knights.
During his two seasons on The Plains, he only saw game action in his second in 2020 as a backup. He finished with 20 carries for 76 yards.
He then followed Gus Malzhan to Orlando where he saw various levels of snaps over his three years. His first season at UCF was his best, though, with 48 carries for 309 yards and five touchdowns as their third-leading rusher.
More on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.
Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. That will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.
The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.
To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.
Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.
The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.