Before doing so, he sought a student at the school who possessed ideal running style. He needed someone fluid, someone formulaic.
"So I asked Lonnie (Richardson) to do it," said Clancy, the Panthers' football coach. "He had all of it down - breathing mechanics, body lean, everything."
Form is important, but so is execution.
Three games into the season, Richardson's role with the Panthers has expanded each week. And the junior rusher has risen to the challenge.
Richardson will need another huge game tonight if Haven (2-1) is to take down Garnet Valley (3-0), the county's top team in this week's Daily Times Super 7. The Central League matchup, which has the makings of game-of-the-week status, is slated for 7:30 at George L. King Field.
Clancy knew what Richardson had to offer, but it took a little on-field convincing for Richardson to earn the starting spot.
At the season's outset, Clancy envisioned Richardson as the top candidate for the fullback spot in the Panthers' backfield. A few things transpired between the preseason and opening night that opened the coaching staff's eyes to Richardson's potential.
For starters, Clancy observed Richardson's in-game tendencies: His ability to change directions with ease, his vision in reading defenses while running between the tackles and his competitive nature.
Then there was his speed.
"He runs on the school's 4 x 100 relay team, so we knew he had speed to burn," Clancy said. "Speed has always been there for him."
Richardson had a modest six touches in the Panthers' 14-0 loss to Penncrest in Week 1.
However, since emerging as the Panthers' featured back, Richardson has not disappointed. He ranks fifth in the county with 120.6 yards per game, carrying 48 times for 362 yards. He has found the end zone six times and averages a gaudy 7.5 yards per carry.
Against Conestoga last weekend, his biggest game of the season, he churned out 196 yards on 24 carries in a 22-0 win.
Richardson, who played last season behind two seniors, wants to believe that he is making up for lost time.
"I'm just taking advantage of the opportunity that the coaches have given me," Richardson said. "The line has done a great job blocking up front and I just want the ball in my hands. Good things can happen for us and I think I'm just doing my part."
The Panthers' offensive line has been in flux this season, but Clancy credits fullbacks Nick DeCindis and Dixon Speaker and tight end Dave Alyanakian with creating gaping running lanes for Richardson.
Alyanakian, a team captain, has sacrificed individual statistics by becoming the Panthers' blocking tight end in what is a run-heavy offense. He had served time as the team's fullback the past two seasons.
"It's easy to block for this guy," Alyanakian said, pointing to Richardson. "Lonnie can do a lot for us on offense when we hand the ball off to him, so we're just trying to make sure he has a path to run through."
Beyond that, it's on Richardson, who possesses the moves to make people miss on their first tries. That's why Clancy has inserted Richardson as the team's left and right halfback, ensuring he gets as many carries as possible.
"It doesn't matter right or left, he's our guy," Clancy said. "Height-wise, he's naturally balanced. He's a perfect height. He changes directions because he's so low to the ground. And he's put on about five pounds each year that he's been with us. It's a natural growth process, but he's developed into a nice-looking back."
And he looks the role, both on the field and in Clancy's classroom.
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