EAST LANSING, Mich. -- David Richard, Michigan State's top freshman football player last season, has signed transfer papers and could leave campus in May after the spring semester.

Richard, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back, is homesick and might transfer to Missouri, his father, David Sr., said Thursday.

"It has nothing to do with Michigan State," his father said. "I think it's a great fit for David. And there's no dislike for Michigan State, despite what you might hear or read. But if I can't turn him around, he'll probably transfer to Missouri."

Richard, a consensus high school All-American in 2001, was the Spartans' No. 1 rusher with 127 carries for 611 yards, a 4.8-yards-per-carry average and five touchdowns. He also had 14 catches for 88 yards.

Richard was projected to be the featured back in new coach John L. Smith's spread offense. He is expected to finish the semester but won't take part in spring football unless he changes his mind.

"It's all over the Internet that David is transferring," his father said. "But a report that he'd go to Texas or Oklahoma is a figment of someone's imagination. And he could still change his mind. I think he'd have a great career at Michigan State. But that's up to David."

If Richard leaves, he will have to sit out the 2003 season. His departure would open the door for sophomore Jaren Hayes, junior Tyrell Dortch or an incoming freshman to be the starter at running back.

Originally published Friday, January 24, 2003