Georgia Football: Five most important players for Florida game

Richard LeCounte, S:

When you go back and rewatch Georgia’s games this year, Richard LeCounte is one of the players on defense that really does stand out. His closing speed has changed the way that this Georgia secondary is able to stop receivers making yards after the catch and he’s done a really good job in the run game as well. That being said, despite all of his solid play, LeCounte has only had one turnover so far this season, a forced fumble against Vanderbilt. When you consider that the guy was a huge playmaker in high school, that’s something that does need to change as the season goes on.

Now in LeCounte’s defense, he’s come incredibly close to some turnovers. He almost had a pick against South Carolina and has had a few more near misses. He also has a coach in Kirby Smart who wants him to focus on being consistent rather than being ‘the playmaker’. He’s listened to his coach and become a better safety because of it. He now just needs a few things to bounce his way.

When you look back at Dominick Sander’s interceptions last year, you realize how many of them centered around him just being in the right place at the right time. He didn’t make the crazy athletic plays that LeCounte can and does every week. Instead, he was just in the right areas when balls were tipped up from the line of scrimmage or off the receivers hands. That’s a knack that a safety can only learn with experience and LeCounte will get there. He’s already brought so much else to this defense.

The Dawgs need him to be at his best this weekend. JR Reed has struggled a bit in recent games and so it will fall on LeCounte to make sure that UGA does not give up big plays in the passing game. The Gators will attack Tyson Campbell just like LSU so if LeCounte can provide him with the support he needs or take away some of the inside receivers, the Dawgs have a great chance to stop Dan Mullen’s offense just like they did last season.