
Yannis Richardson is looking to become a household name and like many, his football story started when he was 10 years old. He had just been introduced to the sport and was trying to make his name as a young kid on a talented roster. Richardson put in consistent work to improve himself and find a way onto the field and got better from what he saw.
“When I started football, I was late to the game. When I moved to a new neighborhood, my best friend D’juan and his dad introduced me to football. I jumped in at 10. I felt behind because all the other kids started at six. My dad pushed me initially to put in double workouts to ramp up and avoid being benched as the new kid,” he said. “I started training with Julius Trenches and Marcus Howard. I was initially inspired by Marcus’ trainees, Deuce and Tyler. Everything they did was on point. They looked and trained like college kids. They were two years older than me, and I didn’t want to be the kid that was messing up the session, so I worked to make sure I was just as good as them.”
“At the time I didn’t really know who they were, but over the next few years, I’d start to see and hear about their success,” he continued. “The blueprint was in my face. If they are as good as everybody is saying and this is what they are doing to get good all I had to do was one, two, and three. I figured out that work was the cheat code.”
That work led to Richardson making a mark in front of spectators and coaches raving about his ability.
“Initially, coaches would compliment me by saying ‘he’s got a motor’,” said Richardson. “My non-stop energy was my unique edge. I don’t take any plays off. I’m full throttle with intensity from start to finish.”
He got a chance to see some playing time as a true freshman, splitting time on varsity and junior varsity. He got the most playing time on junior varsity as a freshman this past season. He finished with 30 tackles, 15 QB hurries, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. Richardson did appear in two games for Loganville this past year on the varsity team, who went 2-8 in a disappointing season. It didn’t come easy for Richardson to see the field as he even faced his own self-doubt before having a good freshman season.
“Honestly, the biggest thing I’ve had to overcome is doubt. First my own, then the limits other people put on me, like I wasn’t built for this. I’m blessed without a question. Shout out to God for real. The stuff that could break some athletes down actually gives me an advantage,” said Richardson. “Yeah, I’ve felt overlooked before. Football is competitive and everybody feels like they’re that guy. When you’re not the one getting all the hype or part of the popular sports crowd, it can feel like you’re invisible. It just gave me space to grind in peace, level up in stealth mode, no pressure, no expectations, just straight work.”
“My uncle always says, success leaves clues, and so does the lack of it. I’m making sure my work doesn’t leave any doubts. I’m a freshman D-lineman, and I’m not 6’2” yet, but between God and drinking milk, it’s coming! Isaiah 60:22 says, ‘When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen.’ I trust that 100%. So when my shot comes—and it’s coming— I won’t just be ready. I’ll be undeniable.”
He maintains his faith and knows that if he works hard and puts his head down, then he will be able to show the world his talent. His faith is another vital factor that drives him to be great.
“With God, all things are possible. Faith plus work is like a chemical reaction. You have to activate your faith and do the work. In the class of 2028, I’m definitely one of Georgia’s best interior defensive linemen out here. I can play at a high level, and if I’m not a part of the conversation now I will be soon,” says Richardson.
Richardson is looking forward to a big offseason and plans to play on the 5v5 circuit. For those who don’t know what 5v5 is, it’s when five offensive linemen and five defensive linemen compete head-to-head. It’s become more common and happens at the same time most 7-on-7 tournaments happens. While 7-on-7 is predicated on skill position players, 5v5 aims to highlight the often overlooked offensive and defensive linemen. Richardson is set to play for the Trenchmob 5v5 team to get more reps and exposure during the winter and spring.
“This offseason, my main focus has been on building strength. My goal has been to get what I call ‘Aaron Donald strong’. It’s the kind of strength where, no matter how big the opponent is whether they’re 6’8″ and 398-lbs, Aaron’s like, so what? His coaches were totally confident he was gonna be the one doing the pushing,” said Richardson.
Richardson is already starting to garner some college attention with programs calling and wanting him to come on campus. Richardson has a visit this weekend with the Florida State Seminoles. His goal this offseason is to increase his strength while not sacrificing his mobility. He details what his workout plan will be and the things he will improve in 2025.
“Beyond just getting stronger, I’m aiming to bulk up with quality muscle without being slower.” he said. “I’m working on increasing my speed while maintaining my quick first step. My goal is to be bigger but faster. I’ve been really focusing on my technique too, specifically dialing in my three key moves so they become second nature.”
“I want to react efficiently based on the cues the O-linemen give me, and not overthink. Lastly, I’ve been improving my football IQ. Learning how offensive linemen think and their telling signs—is he a jumper, a drop stepper, does he use high hands or low hands? Mastering their angles and tendencies is part of my offseason development that I think will really take my game up,” said Richardson.
He knows the work is just getting started and he wants it badly. When everybody was out celebrating the snowstorm this past Friday, Richardson was practicing and running up hills in the snow, perfecting his craft. He gives praise to his foundation for being impactful in his life and helping him to this point.
“I really just want to thank my parents, my mom and my dad for really getting behind me,” said Richardson. “I’m really thankful to my coaches at school for always pushing me. God really put some great people around me that actually believe in me. I’m super thankful for my trainers. They really have embraced me. They train a lot of big names, so to even get an hour of their time I don’t ever take it for granted. They really embrace me. I got love for them.”
The 2028 class is still developing and building their names and some players are already standing out after great freshman seasons. Score Atlanta’s Hayden Gilbert highlighted several players from 2028 to keep an eye on including Calhoun QB Trace Hawkins, East Paulding QB Bode Spence, North Cobb RB Zach Belyeu, Mountain View WR Seven Rashad, Savannah Christian OL Robert Brown, Blessed Trinity EDGE Dawson Jacobs, Winder-Barrow DB Giovanni Tuggle, and several others.
But, one not to forget about in this class is Loganville DL Yannis Richardson.