Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone said on Thursday that Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson is a future first-round NFL Draft pick.

But now it looks like Marrone and the Orange caught a break and won’t have to worry about stopping Richardson in its game against the Tigers on Saturday.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reported late Thursday that Richardson has been suspended for Missouri’s game against Syracuse.

#Mizzou will be without D-tackle Sheldon Richardson vs Syracuse, per team source. One-game suspension. MU declined comment. More to come

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 16, 2012

 

Richardson has 70 tackles this season, including four sacks. He also has 9.5 tackles for loss.

Marrone said the Tigers’ defensive line is the best Syracuse will face this season, and lauded Richardson in doing so.

“They are very good up front. Obviously when you have a first-round draft pick, he can really cause a lot of problems and he has for many teams,” Marrone said during his press conference Thursday. “He’s a hell of a player, and he’s one we’ll be watching on Sunday. Whatever favorite team you have, you want them to draft this kid. He’s a good football player.”

cjiseman@syr.edu; @chris_iseman

Published on November 15, 2012 at 10:36 pm

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman