Richard Sherman

A former receiver who led the Cardinal in receiving yards in 2007-08, Sherman made the switch to cornerback in 2009 and has quietly developed into a legitimate NFL prospect. Sherman is still prone to mental lapses. He stunned television analysts and scouts by biting on a double-move in the closing seconds of the first half of the Senior Bowl, but Sherman's size, physicality and steady improvement since making the switch is sure to intrigue teams on the draft's third day.

positives

Possesses excellent size for the position. Has a lanky, evenly proportioned build with room for additional muscle mass. Good ball skills due to his experience at receiver. Physical. Doesn't back down from the challenge of bigger receivers. May be just scratching the surface of his potential.

negatives

Questionable speed overall. Has a high backpedal and loses a step in his transition, allowing receivers to separate when he misjudges their route, leading to being beaten over the top. Is especially susceptible to smaller, quicker receivers. Was a late injury replacement at the Senior Bowl and while he helped his cause with a solid performance there, pessimists will argue that he had the freshest legs.

Ranked among the best prospects in the state of California and among the best wide receiver prospects in the nation

He led Dominguez HS in Compton, California, to the CIF Division Championship as a senior in 2005 with a 13-1 record and a 41-14 victory over Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in the championship game

Richard accounted for 1,030 all-purpose yards as a senior, including 870 yards and 14 touchdowns on 28 catches and three punt returns for TDs

As a defensive back, he recorded 45 tackles, eight pass deflections and one interception

PrepStar Magazine All-West selection and SuperPrep All-FarWest Team

Named to the Long Beach Press Telegram's Dream Team as one of the premiere recruits in the West

Also named All-State, CIF First-Team and All-San Gabriel Valley First-Team following his senior season

SuperPrep ranked him the No. 50 recruit in the West

Also ranked as the No. 6 "athlete" in California, the No. 8 wide receiver in the state and the No. 57 "athlete" in the country

As a junior, he had 23 receptions for 415 yards and six touchdowns along with four interceptions on defense

He earned First-Team All-League honors as a receiver

In track, he was an All-American in the triple jump, the California state champion in the triple jump as a senior in 2006, and the No. 7 ranked triple jumper in the state in 2005 with a best of 49-5 3/4

First-Team All-CIF and Long Beach Press Telegram Dream Team in track in 2005

Other top marks include 10.81 in the 100m, 21.83 in the 200m, 14.67 in the 110HH and 22-8 in the long jump.

Born March 30, 1988

majoring in communications.