Rookie Edition: Richard Quinn "His Time Will Come"

With 3 possible starting tight ends already on hand with the Denver Broncos, Richard Quinn’s chances of seeing any regular season action are slim but nevertheless his time will come.

Only time will tell when he gets that opportunity to make his mark in the NFL.

Richard Emanuel Quinn Jr. was born on September 6, 1986 in Huntsville, Alabama to mother Yolanda and father Richard Quinn Sr. He played two seasons at Butler High School in Huntsville before his family moved to Maple Heights, Ohio his sophomore year.

It was there at Maple Heights High School he began to show promise as not only a tight end, but an improving receiver.

It doesn’t hurt to be a flexible football player on the field.

He was coached by Jeff Rotsky and became a two-time all-conference and all-district selection at Maple Heights. Quinn was also named the #15 tight end in the country by Rivals.com and was a member of the SuperPrep’s All-Midwest Team.

As a junior he caught 12 passes for 254 yards and one touchdown. In his final year at Maple Heights he led his high school to a winning record of 10-2 and a playoff berth. He also posted 32 catches for 468 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior.

In addition to football, Quinn also played basketball and became the top rebounder in the conference in 2004.

After he enrolled at the University of North Carolina in January of 2005 he began participating in spring drills. He played in nine games for the Tar Heels on special teams and as a reserve tight end.

In 2006, he fractured his shoulder blade a week before the season opener and spent the season as a medical redshirt.

Technically, as Quinn saw no action on the field in 2006, his sophomore year began in 2007. As a redshirt sophomore for UNC he played in 12 games (with 8 starts) recording four receptions for 27 yards (6.8 avg.) and one touchdown.

On September 15, 2007 in a game against Virginia he recorded his first touchdown of his college career on a 2-yard reception. He had another highlight of his sophomore year on October 16, 2007 when he was named one of UNC’s offensive players of the week in a win against Miami.

Quinn made the 2008 season his last in college but he made it a good one. Even though he remained a redshirt for his junior year he played in 13 games (with 12 starts) posting 8 receptions for 97 yards (12.1 avg.) and one touchdown. He blocked for the UNC offense that led the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) in passing efficiency (138.9).

In a game at Miami he posted 2 receptions for 24 yards (12 avg.) and in another game against Duke, Quinn reeled in 2 passes for 42 yards (21 avg.) as well as a 32-yard touchdown. He was named one of UNC’s offensive players of the week after wins against Duke and #20 Georgia Tech.

He also received honorable mention All-American accolades from Scout.com.

After the 2008 season, Richard Quinn elected to forgo his senior year and entered himself into the 2009 NFL Draft. He was selected in the second round by the Denver Broncos (64th overall).

As previously stated, with 3 tight ends (with experience) already at hand to be starters for the Broncos in the 2009 season, his chances of playing are slim. However, it is never too late to think about what Richard Quinn could give to the NFL.

With only 12 career receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns, Quinn’s main talent lies in blocking. Essentially, he gave the NC Tar Heels another offensive tackle to have at the line of scrimmage and he did that the best.

Most teams are looking for a tight end coupled with the talent of being a receiving specialist. With the improvement of his receiving skills, he could become a sought after tight end + receiver.

Although now (being this upcoming season) may not be his break in the NFL he does, however, have 3 people ahead of him that he could learn from. I am sure Graham and Scheffler, both on top of their game, would be willing to take Mr. Quinn under their wings and share their knowledge.

Indeed, it would be a great opportunity for him and beneficial to his career.

With training camp just a few weeks away, Quinn will get his chance to show what he’s made of to the coaches and his fellow teammates, hoping to prove he’ll be worth a starting job soon in his future.

Just wait and see. His time will come.


To make up for last time, click on the following links to watch “The Moreno Express” in action.

The Hurdle

Moreno 2008 Highlights