Richard Ready To Bring Athleticism To Ohio State

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - Multiple Power Five schools had an interest in CJ Richard. The opportunity to not go too far away helped the Moeller junior decide Ohio State was the right college for him.

“It’s a great school with a great atmosphere and it’s closer to home,” explained the third-rated 2023 outfielder in the state. “I can’t wait to be part of it.”

The connection between Richard and Ohio State began the summer of the 15U baseball season.

“I went off that year,” Richard reflected. “I was MVP in the league tournament and that started my recruiting. I got on the phone with Ohio State and a lot of other schools. That’s when Ohio State really started to show interest.”

Ten months ago an offer was given by the Big 10 school.

“Before I accepted I wanted to be sure and get the experience of going through the process before I decided to become a Buckeye,” explained Richard, who was also being recruited by the likes of Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Tulane, Toledo, Eastern Kentucky, Georgetown and Central Florida.

But Ohio State was at the top of his list.

“I always wanted to play college baseball since I was a young age,” the 14th-ranked junior in Ohio related. “I grew up being an Ohio State fan and my brother goes there.”

The 17-year-old credits travel ball with helping get the recognition he desired.

“I’ve always had the ability, but when I started playing for the Cincinnati Flames I started playing in competitive tournaments. When I started playing with Five-Star National is when I got my looks.”

Being part of Team Ohio at the Future Games brought additional exposure and with it more recognition.

“Once again showed why he's considered one of the top run tools in the state with a blazing 6.59 60-yard dash,” the PBR website said about Richard after the Workout Day on the opening day of the event in LakePoint. “Considering how he covers ground and that the athleticism translates to ball skills would give him a shot to stick in center at the next level. Offensively, his skill set is ideal for the top of the lineup with some sneaky juice.”

Making improvements over the past year helped the cause, according to Richard.

“I’ve gotten better in every aspect,” the 5-10 175-pounder explained. “If you’re not doing that then you’re not doing something right. I want to become a better player every year.”

Hitting coaches Lance Durham and Vince Harrison along with trainer Josh Elleman and his father Carlos Richard have been influential in making those strides.

“They’ve always helped me get and make sure I’m right,” Richard noted about Durham and Harrison. “Without them my swing would not be as good as it is today. My trainers have also helped get my arm together and my dad has also been a big help. We’re always doing things to help me get better.”

The recruiting process was an enjoyment for Richard.

“What helped is going to events and producing at the events along with surrounding myself with great coaches,” Richard pointed out.

Business will be the college major for Richard, a 3.6 student at Moeller who believes he can help the Ohio State program enormously.

“I’ll bring great energy and a great play style,” Richard said. “I try to do my best at everything I can do to bring up my teammates so we can be the best team we can be.”

Admittedly, with a commitment comes a sense of relief for the Moeller product.

“It’s exciting but also relaxing,” Richard said of making the decision official to attend college at Ohio State. “It was hard but easy knowing this is the right school for me in putting myself in the best situation I can at a great school.”