The race for the starting job at quarterback became a little more crowded over the weekend.

Troy State signed another quarterback, this time in the late signing period. The new recruit is 6-5, 205-pound Zach Richardson from Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga.

Richardson only started one season at Lassiter, but completed 128 passes in 260 attempts for 1,559 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior. He was named to the Dynamic Dozen for Cobb County and was listed as one of the top 50 recruits from the state of Georgia. He chose Troy State over Tennessee and Auburn.

"Troy State was everything I wanted in a school," Richardson said."It didn't take me very long to decide to go to Troy State."

Tennessee and Auburn did not offer Richardson a scholarship, but both recruited him. He went to an official visit at Tennessee, but was only offered a scholarship at Troy State.

"I think the fact that he only started one year in high school made them hesitant to sign him," Troy State offensive coordinator Mark Fleetwood said. "We think he can come in here and be a good player."

Richardson agreed.

"I played football all my life," he said. "I got my fair share of playing time before my senior season, but I guess that wasn't enough for some coaches."

Fleetwood did not say Richardson would start this season, but did not rule out the possibility. He said he thought Richardson had the potential to fight for playing time in the future.

Richardson said he was happy to work hard.

"I would like to play this season, but that's not up to me," he said.

Troy State head coach Larry Blakeney

was excited to sign Richardson.

"Zach is one of those guys who was somehow left out on signing day," Troy State head coach Larry Blakeney said. "He fell through the cracks, and we are very excited to have a player of his caliber coming our way. We think Zach has all the tools to come in and compete immediately and help make us better as a program."

Blakeney said the Trojans will likely sign two or three more players before the spring national signing period ends in April.

Troy State opens the football season at Kansas State on Aug. 30.