A physical cornerback whose best NFL position may be at free safety, Richardson briefly played the position while at Arkansas but was viewed as so effective in press coverage he was moved back to corner. An effective press corner who uses his hands well to jam the receiver, the concern with Richardson is that he simply lacks the foot speed necessary to remain as a man-to-man cornerback in the NFL. With little experience at safety, however, and Arkansas' reliance on press coverage, how Richardson would react to playing in space and reading the quarterback makes him a late-round talent.

Positives: Well-built athlete with room for additional growth … Tough defender who seems to enjoy the physicality of the game … Strong in run support and is willing to take on blocks to get to the ballcarrier … Uses his hands well in press coverage … Some experience at safety.

Negatives: Classic 'tweener prospect … Lacks the speed for cornerback and may lack the instincts and ball skills teams prefer for safety … Plays his man, not the ball while in coverage, too often losing out in jump ball situations despite his physicality … Marginal ball skills.

He made 87 tackles and snared seven interceptions in his senior season for Coach Jerry Malone. He helped lead his prep team to a state championship berth against Atlanta High School and fellow Razorback Dallas Washington. The Waco Tribune-Herald named him to its Super Centex football first team and rated him as the No. 7 prospect in Central Texas. He was also recruited by Kansas, TCU and Texas A&M.

Born June 30, 1985, he is the son of Sherrell Allen. His first name is pronounced "matt-TAIR-uhl." His nickname is "Red." He is enrolled in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and is majoring in sociology.