Rising junior defensive back Richard LeCounte started 13 of Georgia’s 14 games last season and was the team’s leader in tackles, with 74. As one of the Bulldogs’ experienced secondary members, LeCounte is working at both safety positions this spring, a challenge he’s embracing.
“It’s been a great experience to open my mind to a new position and expanding my role on this team,” said LeCounte, who also said Tuesday he's put on between 12 and 15 pounds since the Sugar Bowl. “I see it as a great challenge, and every day I put forth the work to be able to help the team and learn that new position.”
LeCounte assents he has often been on the receiving end of the challenge from none other than coach Kirby Smart, but he rightly points out that if the coach isn’t yelling at you, that probably means he’s not planning to use you.
“When somebody is ignoring you, you’re not in a really good spot,” said LeCounte, who had one tackle for loss, one interception and three pass break-ups a year ago. “I see that as (Smart) giving me a chance and working with me. And I try my best to do more to be able to help the team.
“I love taking on the challenge. Every day (there) is something that I need to learn, no matter what position I’m in. If I run out of things to learn, I won’t be a great football player because every day you should try to do something better as a person, and I take that as a steppingstone to listening to criticism, listening to my coaches, because I know at the end of the day it will help me and it will help the team. It’s not hard doing what I do.”
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