Richard LeCounte III, S:
If Georgia is going to reach its potential on the defense, it needs LeCounte to become a well-known starter. LeCounte is seen as the natural successor to Dominick Sanders who was an ever-present starter on the backend for the past four seasons.
LeCounte is one of the most talented safeties UGA have brought in for some time. His high school film is incredibly impressive and it’s clear that he has the ability to become an All-SEC level player. LeCounte is a ballhawk who also happens to be a heavy hitter for his size. He flies around the field like a heat-seeking missile and I for one and really excited to see him starting this year.
Kirby Smart has been hard on LeCounte in the press. Having played that position himself at UGA, Smart has high expectations for LeCounte because he knows how important a safety can be to his scheme. He also knows that for LeCounte to achieve those heights, he needs to step up his play and become more consistent.
Smart has often talked about LeCounte’s need to improve. LeCounte has responded to these comments in impressive fashion. He’s come out and talked about how he enjoys being coached and being pushed. In doing so, he’s not only improving himself, but he’s helping Smart build the culture that matters to him so much. If a former 5-star and expected starter can take public criticism as a part of his growth as a player, his younger teammates have no excuses.
I think that LeCounte is going to have a massive season. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him with 5 turnovers and become one of the premier players in a reformed Georgia secondary. If I’m right, then teams will likely be very scared to throw on UGA this season.