Darryl Richard

Classroom

Richard graduated from Tech in just three years and is currently in the MBA program. He had a 3.52 GPA as an undergrad and currently posts a 3.27 grad school GPA. Darryl is considering a potential career in athletic administration and is currently on the search committee to name the next president of Georgia Tech. He is automatically a member of the GTAA Board of Trustees and was on the NCAA Re-certification Committee this past year.

Character

Richard has served as the President for the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) since the fall of 2007. Prior to that, he served on the board as a regular member since the fall of 2006. As one of the football representatives on this board, as well as the president, he has been an integral part of the community outreach efforts by Georgia Tech Athletics. He has also overseen the implementation of the “Code Gold Event” initiative (rallying for support among fellow Georgia Tech student-athletes), the monthly SAAB newsletter to facilitate better communication between student-athletes and Athletic Staff/Administration, “Town Hall” meetings to encourage all student-athletes to have a voice, and the first ever Welcome Back event for all student-athletes. Through his influential role as SAAB President, he has facilitated better communication between student-athletes and AA staff. Darryl is the ringleader in community service for not only his teammates, but for the entire student-athlete body. When asked to reflect on Darryl’s character, Georgia Tech Athletic Director, Dan Radakovich, commented, “Darryl will be running this place with a couple of years.” Richard has a natural understanding of the business side of things, and has led the student-athlete advisory board to grow and make changes to better the total experience at Tech.

Community

As a starting defensive lineman on the football team, Darryl managed to find time to serve his community in several capacities. Not only has he spoken to several local schools on how to achieve success in college, but he also participated in the Special Olympics Georgia Indoor Games, Habitat for Humanity, Think Pink Georgia Tech fund raising efforts, YMCA after-school program at Flowery Branch Elementary School, and conducted a football clinic at KIPP WAYS Academy.

Competition

A 2009 East-West Shrine Bowl Invitee, Richard saved his best year for last.  He was named second team All-ACC, received the prestigious Tatum Award and was a finalist for the Draddy Trophy.  One of three tri-captains, he had 10.0 tackels-for-loss and 4.0 sacks on the season, bringing his career total to 32.0 tackels-for-loss, which ties him for 12th in Georgia Tech school history, and 12.5 career sacks (16th in Tech history).  He also recorded one pass break-up and one fumble recovery during his 28 consecutive starts, a team-best.  Other 2008 accolades include:  First Team All-ACC (Rivals), Second Team All-ACC, Second Team All-ACC (ACC Sports Journal), and ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week (Sept. 8).