Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College Gabe Richardson has committed to Arkansas as an outside linebacker, Richardson chose the Hogs over Buffalo and others.

Paul Rhoads is Arkansas' defensive coordinator.

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Richardson was highly recruited out of Decatur (Ga.) Southwest DeKalb, but didn't have the grades to sign then so he went to Hutchinson. Richardson now will get a chance to play in the SEC.

"Never saw myself having a chance to play in the SEC," Richardson said. "Thankful for my opportunity to do so and compete. I thank God and my mother for influencing and having my back toward my decision. Ready for the journey."

Hutchinson OLB-DE Gabe Richardson.

In 2016, Richardson had 60 tackles, six sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He grew from a 6-foot-4, 205-pound recruit in high school to a 6-4, 255-pound outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense under Paul Rhoads.

Richardson is pleased with this opportunity that Arkansas has given him.

"I never knew it'd be Arkansas (that would offer the opportunity), but I'm tired of watching SEC games on TV, man," Richardson said. "I sit there and go, 'Damn, that could be me. That should be me.'

"You don't know how badly I really want this. I would love to play against Alabama and smack (Bo) Scarborough, chase down Jalen Hurts and all of those great players, because I know I'm that caliber too."

Richardson will have three years to play three and will count forward to the Class of 2018 after one semester at Arkansas.

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