Ensowrth’s Star Offensive Tackle: Richard Thigpen

Richard Thigpen is a 3 Star recruit who plays Offensive Tackle at Ensworth High School. Thigpen is ranked among one of the top recruits in the nation and is ranked among one of the top Offensive Tackles in the nation as well. In addition, Thigpen is listed as a top 50 recruit in the state of Tennessee and is listed as a top 10 Offensive Tackle in the state of Tennessee. He holds offers from schools such as Kentucky, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech.

Who are some role models in your life?
My biggest role models are my parents and all of my coaches—especially my offensive line coach, Grant Williams. Coach Williams played in the NFL for nine years and has coached at multiple schools. Since joining our staff this year, he’s elevated my game to a whole new level. But more than that, he’s poured into me as a person. He values who I am beyond football, and that means everything. He’s someone I relate to, someone I respect deeply, and someone I aspire to be like—because he’s been where I want to go.

What artists do you listen to pregame to get hyped up?
I’ve had the same playlist for the past two years—it’s a mix of artists that help me lock in rather than just get hyped. I rotate between Kendrick Lamar, Metro Boomin, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and Yeat. I’m not big on loud, high-energy tracks before games—I want music that gets me mentally dialed in.

What are the strengths of your game?
My intensity and ferocity on the line are two of my biggest strengths. I take pride in my technique in the run game, my athleticism when pulling, and the violent handwork I use in both pass protection and run blocking. I don’t just want to do my job—I want to dominate the man in front of me.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
Beating our rival MBA in the second round of the playoffs, on our home field. The year before, they knocked us out in that same round and on that same field—blocking a kick to send it to OT and then recovering a fumble to win it. That loss haunted me. When we faced them again, I played one of the best games of my life. I was pancaking guys left and right. I left everything I had on the field—and honestly, when the fourth quarter ended, I didn’t want it to be over.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
That would be my good friend Brandon Collins, who’s committed to TSU. He played linebacker most of high school, but late in his senior year, he switched to defensive end. Brandon is a freak athlete—explosive, powerful, fast. Practicing against him every day made me better. If he had switched earlier, I think he’d be a four-star at a Power Five program. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we meet again in the NFL.

What advice would you give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
Never let someone else define your ceiling. Coaches, media, even teammates—there will always be doubters. Bet on yourself. Put in the work. Stay consistent. And don’t ever stop chasing what you believe you’re capable of.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’m not really a big vacation guy, but if I could pick anywhere, it’d be a log cabin in the Colorado mountains during winter. I love snow and I love the mountains—it’s peaceful, quiet, and simple. That’s my kind of place.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
I was born in Ann Arbor while my dad was in med school at Michigan, so I grew up going to Michigan football games. I don’t remember a specific moment—I feel like football’s just always been a part of me. It’s in my blood.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
Penei Sewell. I’ve studied his tape and modeled parts of my game after him, especially his kick step—even though I play left tackle and he plays right. As a lifelong Lions fan, watching him dominate every week makes it even better.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?
When Michigan beat Ohio State in 2021. That was only the second time I’d seen it happen in my life.