2025 punter Jack Richardson breaks down Mississippi State decision

Mississippi State entered the Class of 2025 with an important need of finding an elite punter. This weekend the Bulldogs did just that with the commitment of 2025 punter Jack Richardson of Madison Central High School.

Richardson unofficially visited the Bulldogs on Saturday and observed State’s spring practice session. And before that day ended, Richardson informed Mississippi State’s staff of his decision before going public with his decision on Sunday.

“I was on an unofficial visit (Saturday) and I told all of the coaches then,” recalled the 6-foot-2 and 213-pound Richardson. “It was amazing. During my visit I talked to all of the coaches, Coach (Jeff) Lebby, too, and there’s just great people there.”

Richardson has taken in his share of visits to Starkville over the past year or so. But he really hit it off with new special teams coordinator Cliff Odom and quickly became a top priority for Odom and State’s special teams.

“It was definitely the coaches there,” Richardson remarked. “The coaches really made a difference with me. They are great recruiters but they were always straight with me. It was amazing to finally commit and to get it over with. Now I don’t have to worry about anything and just keep working.”

With his decision, Richardson becomes the fourth commitment for Lebby and State’s Class of 2025. He joins On3 four-star quarterback Kamario Taylor, On3 three-star defensive lineman Jeramiah McCloud and On3 three-star linebacker AJ Rice.

Another factor behind Richardson’s decision was the opportunity to impact the Bulldogs as soon as he steps on campus.

“The opportunity I have there for me is definitely one I am going to love,” noted Richardson. “I think I will have a pretty good chance to start my freshman year. It is just something I have to work towards but the opportunity will be there.”

And speaking of arriving on campus, Richardson plans to do that sooner than later. He is working towards graduating early in order to enroll at State in January of 2025. That early arrival could also aid his chances to start right away, which was the message relayed to Richardson by Odom.

“Coach Odom told me I have a good chance to start early,” Richardson mentioned. “Especially if I graduate early and get there for spring ball next year. I also got to talk to Coach Lebby about it during practice on Saturday. He was definitely excited about it.”

Rated as a five-star punter by Kohls kicking, Richardson averaged 46.3 yards a punt during his junior season at Madison Central High School. And now he feels good about being part of Lebby’s first full recruiting class in Starkville.

“It’s great,” said Richardson. “It’s a good experience and I can’t wait to get started up there.”