STARKVILLE – Booming in a field goal from 52 yards out with room to spare certainly got the attention of Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom.

The one doing the booming was former Warren Central standout Eric Richards. Croom made sure he mentioned Richards’ feat during Mississippi State’s Media Day Thursday.

&#8220Eric’s got an extremely strong leg. When he made that kick from 52 yards out with about 10 yards to spare, that impressed me,” Croom said to the various statewide media that was present.

If Richards keeps booming kicks like that one, the former Viking will likely be the one handling kickoffs when the Bulldogs open the season Aug. 30 against Southeastern Conference favorite and national power LSU at Scott Field.

But unlike in high school, Richards will find himself kicking from the 30-yard line as a new NCAA rule on kickoffs goes into effect this season.

&#8220They would do it this year, my first year in college,” Richards said. &#8220It’s a big jump from high school and now having to move back to the 30 to kick off is a challenge. I finally got to try some this (Thursday) morning and I was hitting it to the goal line. With more work, I believe I can hit it through the end zone.”

The NCAA made the kickers move back five yards in order to bring the kickoff return back into the game.

Richards is currently alternating with State’s returning placekicker Adam Carlson.

Croom said Carlson, who started all 12 games last season, will handle the bulk of the placekicking, but added that Richards will get a shot. Carlson was just 8-of-16 on field goals last season.

&#8220What we’re hoping is to have Eric kicking off for us when we open against LSU. We still need to see him do it in a live situation. Hopefully with the scrimmage Saturday, we can see it,” Croom said.

Two years ago Richards made a 49-yarder in Warren Central’s 24-21 win at Clinton. He made a 47-yarder and was 8-of-12 on all field goals last season. He was named first team all-state as a punter.

&#8220The 49-yard kick against Clinton was my longest in a live game,” Richards said. ”For right now, Adam and I are alternating on the field goals. I’ll probably get to kick against a rush during the scrimmage and we’ll also do some kickoffs Friday and see how I’ll do.”

Richards says he’s seen some differences in being on campus for nearly a month.

&#8220I’ve been here since July 8 and I’ve gotten stronger. I’ve been lifting. It’s been great to be here. I really like the facilities and the coaching staff,” he said.

Richards also thinks the Bulldogs may finally be ready to end a recent string of three-win seasons, including a 3-9 mark last year.

&#8220It should be a good year for us. There is a lot more talent here,” Richards said.