Illinois State defensive back CJ Richard signs with Seminoles
The Florida State coaching staff has added a defensive back with FCS All-American bona fides, as CJ Richard has officially signed to play with the Seminoles.
Richard, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound cornerback, is originally from Houston, Texas. He redshirted in 2024 before a breakout 2025 season.
In his first true season, Richard made 36 tackles (1.5 for loss), three pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions in nine games for the Redbirds. For his efforts, he was named an FCS All-American defensive back.
Richard has three seasons of eligibility remaining and should immediately factor into the rotation at defensive back.
From his bio:
Appeared in 17 games with seven starts for FCS runner-up Illinois State in 2025…totaled 60 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery…had interceptions in consecutive NCAA Tournament wins against No. 8 UC Davis and No. 12 Villanova…also had interception vs. Youngstown State…added pass breakups against North Alabama and UC Davis…fumble recovered against FCS No. 1 seed North Dakota State in Redbirds’ 29-28 victory…career-high nine tackles vs. South Dakota and Southern Illinois…20-yard tackle for loss in FCS National Championship Game vs. No. 2 Montana State…made collegiate debut with four tackles in season opener vs. No. 18 Oklahoma…did not play as true freshman in 2024…first-team all-district honors as senior at J. Frank Dobie High School in Houston.
