Jamey Richard doesn't show up in the box scores, but he's the key to an offense responsible for putting up some of the best numbers in Buffalo history since becoming a Division 1-A program.
Richard, a senior center and team captain is the leader of a much-improved offensive line and has helped lead Buffalo to its first three-win season since 2001, with five games still left in the season.
Through seven games this season the Bulls have over 1,000 team rushing yards and 1,400 yards passing. Much of the success is due to the likes of sophomore running backs James Starks, Mario Henry, and junior quarterback Drew Willy, but what some may fail to notice is the success of the offensive line.
Richard's contributions as a leader on and off the field have put him in the spotlight on a team that looks to secure a winning record in the Mid-American Conference for the first time since joining the league.
"We've improved upon our pass protection. We're trying to average four yards a carry and we're getting pretty close to that now," Richard said. "You can never feel that you've arrived, I try to get better at every aspect of my game as well as the guys around me."
As far as Richard's leadership ability, he may not be the most outspoken, but he knows how to motivate his teammates.
"Jamey is a lead-by-example guy. You can watch what he does and how he handles his daily work, how he comes to practice every day," said Buffalo offensive line coach Allen Mogridge. "He's the guy that'll grab a young guy and say 'pick it up,' but he'll also grab a young guy and say, 'Hey, why don't you try stepping like this, cause I watched you on that last rep and this is what happened.'"
What Richard lacks in animation, he more than makes up for in character, demeanor and how he presents himself in practice or in a game.
"I'll be honest, I've never been 'ra ra' guy," Richard said. "I've always been the kind of guy that does what he does and goes about his business and leads by example in that way."
Richard has had to step out of his comfort zone and become the leader that the team needed after being named a team captain.
"This year I've needed to step up and fill that leadership role, and I've been trying to do that," Richard said. "We want to come out here and have a winning record, win the MAC East and get to a bowl game. We've never been to a bowl and that's something we'd like to do."
The three-year starter's role as captain is well-deserved according to the coaches, but not just only for what he's been able to accomplish as a football player.
"Jamey is a work hard guy and a very disciplined football player. It's important to him. He is a guy that commands respect from his teammates and his opponents," Mogridge said. "Jamey's a great kid. He's a great leader for this university. Jamey does a lot of things as far as hospital visits and getting out to the community as well."
Richard's goal is to show that Buffalo does have talent, and that he is the best at his position in the Mid-American Conference.
"I want to try and prove that I am the best center in the MAC," Richard said, "I want to go and get my name out there."
His coaches have noticed his hard work, and acknowledge that the team, especially the offensive line looks up to Richard.
"He's responded in what we've challenged him with," Mogridge said. "He's a great example and role model for the young offensive linemen in our group. They don't have to look far, just look for 71."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
