Shaquille Richardson just wants to play.

And he doesn’t care which position the Stamps ask him to fill.

“No preference. None at all,” admitted Richardson.

“I like playing in the box. I’m used to playing SAM and free. I like tackling, but I like covering too, so I can play anywhere, really.”

The California native has seen action all across the field so far in training camp and has been catching the eye of the coaching staff.

Notably head coach Dave Dickenson.

“To me, this is his year to be a starter,” Dickenson said. “We’ve just got to figure out what that position is. He’s got to earn it, but we’ve got high hopes for him. I really believe he’s got a great opportunity at corner, half, SAM, one of those. He is showing up and he’s a guy we’re all noticing, so those are good things.”

Richardson began his second tour of duty with the Stamps during the middle of the 2016 season.

The free agent originally signed with the club in 2015, but was released later that season. Since then, the 6-foot, 194-lb. defensive back has spent time with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers.

Eleven days after a July 25 release from the Panthers practice squad in 2016, Richardson was signed by the Stamps. He suited up for nine games in 2016, making 12 tackles and seven special teams’ tackles.

In his first training camp with the team, Richardson is looking forward to getting his reps, getting into the defence and finding a groove.

“Being able to start from day one and get into some pre-season games, I can build a comfort in the defence instead of coming in midseason like I did,” said Richardson.

“It’s been going good. Trying to get better every day. Focusing on film study and running to the ball and little things like that, that the coaches look for. Just trying to compete and get better every day, really.”

Since he’s being asked to play a number of positions on the field, Richardson has been putting in the time in the classroom to make sure he knows where he has to be at all times.

He’s just trying to keep things simple.

“Sometimes it’s tough going from field to boundary and boundary to field, but with film study and everything, I’m just trying to be in the right places and do the right things,” said Richardson. “Not trying to force plays right now, but trying to play within the defence and make sure I’m on my assignments. Interceptions and stuff like that will come when you’re in the right place.”

Richardson is hoping that those interceptions and plays start coming on June 6 when the Stamps host the BC Lions in their first pre-season game.

After five months off from football, he’s excited to get back in the game.

“It’s about what, five days away?” Richardson said.

“I’m ready.”