LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Former NM State football players Chris Williams and Derrick Richardson have each signed free agents deals to play professional football in the NFL. Late Sunday night, Williams signed a free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins, while Richardson signed a free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Williams (Rio Rancho, N.M.) led the Aggies this past season with 86 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdown catches. He also led the conference in receiving yards per game (105.9) and receptions per game (7.17). Williams was fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game and 12th in receptions per game. In 2008, Williams became the Aggies’ all-time leader in receiving yards (3,555) and touchdown catches (32).. He finishes his career with two 200-plus yard performances and a school record 18 100-plus yard games. Williams was also named a first team all-WAC selection in 200 8 and earned two All-American honors in 2006 and 2008.
Richardson (Chandler, Ariz.) led the Aggies and the nation in tackles per game this past season, averaging 12.5 a contest. His 137 tackles this season is the highest total of this career. Richardson finished his career as an Aggie with 318 tackles, good for 10th all-time in school history. He tallied a career-high 21 tackles against UTEP and recorded eight games this season with double-digit tackle numbers. Richardson is the first Aggie safety since 2000 to receive an all-conference accolade. Richardson was also named a second team all-WAC selection in 2008.
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
