B/R Recruiting Breakdown: 5-Star Safety and Georgia Commit Richard LeCounte III
Each week, Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue analyzes a different prospect based on in-person evaluation and intensive film study. Here's our latest scouting report of a promising young athlete and how he projects as a college player.
A shutdown safety can serve as the stalwart linchpin of any defensive unit, providing an authoritative presence across the field. Georgia recruit Richard LeCounte III fills that role, attacking opponents with a well-balanced skill set that stifles offensive efforts through the air and on the ground.
The premier Peach State prospect projects as a collegiate player who can immediately impact his program of choice. He became the first 2017 athlete committed to Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart last December, when he announced intentions to attend the school over alternatives such as Ohio State, Florida State, Clemson and Notre Dame.
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LeCounte, a first-team defense selection at The Opening this summer, has played a prominent role during his entire prep career. The Liberty County High School senior collected nearly 3,000 total yards, 34 touchdowns, 300 tackles and 11 interceptions during his first three high school seasons, per MaxPreps.
Through three games in 2016, he's tallied 444 all-purpose yards, seven total scores, 22 tackles and an interception. LeCounte is well on his way toward warranting All-American consideration.
The top-rated pledge in a Georgia recruiting class ranked No. 4 nationally in composite rankings, more eyes are on this dynamic defender than ever before. We continue our weekly review of elite recruits at B/R with a closer look at LeCounte.
The Basics
High School: Liberty County (Hinesville, Georgia)
Size: 5'10 ½", 174 lbs
Recruitment Status: Committed to Georgia on Dec. 13, 2015
Prospect Assessment
- Charismatic young man who serves as a vocal catalyst for the defense; leadership resonates among teammates. ... Understands when it's time to keep the mood light and when it's time to self-police his squad.
- Displays the traits of a team captain; collegiate coaching staff can count on an even-keel presence under duress. ... Will handle the big moments well, even as a new college contributor.
- Starred for high school basketball team during 2016 state title run. ... Among this class' most impressive athletes; agility, leaping ability and acrobatic midair adjustments are especially rare.
- Won't encounter many opponents who outclass his athleticism, even in the SEC.
- Could push for playing time at a variety of roles in all three phases of the game. ... Exceptional special teams weapon (four return touchdowns since 2015).
- Takes ownership of "center field"; patrols the deep layers of a defense with confidence and quick-trigger response as plays progress.
- Decisive defender who quickly closes gaps. ... Savvy pre-snap preparation; beats receivers to intended target areas (26 pass deflections through first three high school seasons).
- Performances in games and showcase camps are filled with difficult interceptions that highlight his range; utilizes full-extension reach and "tip drill" fundamentals.
- A closer in the vicinity of contested passes; fearless in his attempts to high-point football and finishes through the receiver if ball is already on its target.
- Tremendous read-and-react tendencies against rushing efforts. ... Fundamentally strong tackler who can also lay the lumber with explosive collisions that create turnover opportunities.
- Delivers tone-setting hits that are clean but send a message across the sideline; will make receivers think twice before fully extending in his territory of the field.
- Unlikely to relinquish starting reps in college once he secures them as long as health remains intact; lack of inconsistencies will make him a staff favorite.
We'll highlight LeCounte's special blend of dexterity and toughness in the ensuing screen shots.
First, an example of his prowess near the line of scrimmage can be seen here when LeCounte comes crashing down along the edge to cut off the angle of an opposing running back who is working toward the outside shoulder of his right tackle:
At this point in the play, it's up to LeCounte to shut down a massive rushing lane that could lead to a huge chunk of yardage for the running back. Despite overall offensive execution, LeCounte extinguishes the threat by erasing space and dishes out a devastating blow with his right shoulder that threatens to force a fumble:
It's rare to watch LeCounte for an extended period of time and not see him pull down a spectacular catch, regardless of which side of the football he's lined up on. In this particular highlighted play, an opposing quarterback is pressured and makes the mistake of testing LeCounte's range, suffering the consequences as the safety cuts, closes ground and goes full-extension to rip away possession:
LeCounte is clearly among the most elite defensive backs in this recruiting class, but his game-changing potential on special teams shouldn't be overlooked. He requires little wiggle room to spring free out of traffic and is difficult to track down in space, sprinting with powerful strides and elite downfield vision.
This sequence shows LeCounte fielding a punt at his own 34-yard line. The initial screen shot occurs moments before he gains possession, with two unblocked defenders approaching in coverage:
He smoothly transitions from fielding the punt to pushing forward with a violent drive off his right foot. LeCounte surges to split the two opponents, eyes focused on a seam created by quality blocking that leads him toward the sideline:
LeCounte is now approaching midfield with just two legitimate threats who may have an angle to bring him down. His elite athleticism shines here, and he again asserts himself as the best player on a high school field by switching to another gear and streaking along the sidelines for the remainder of a 64-yard scoring play:
Long-Term Outlook
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart will be hard-pressed to land a more complete 2017 prospect than the first one he landed in Athens. LeCounte is a competitor who other alpha-dog players gravitate toward, and his personality should provide a positive presence for an evolving Bulldogs locker room.
Expect LeCounte to vie for instant consideration in a variety of roles dependent on roster needs. Special teams is a great place for him to start since he can make an immense impact in kick coverage or alter the momentum of a matchup by bursting for big gains as a return man.
Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker surely has extensive plans for LeCounte in his secondary, where the young playmaker could contribute at cornerback or safety. Ultimately, considering range from line of scrimmage to the deep reaches of a defense, his ideal landing spot seems to be free safety.
LeCounte consistently keys in on the quarterback, a position he's played at the high school level, and displays outstanding anticipation for what is coming his way from the pocket. He smoothly turns hips and sprints with an understanding of how his path of pursuit and the trajectory of a pass must line up, leaving little room for offensive error.
He'll clean up defensive mistakes by bringing down ball-carriers in the open field, finishing tackles with authority in order to prevent a big gain from becoming even greater. LeCounte can also be called upon to supply an occasional blitz, crashing through supportive pass-blockers with formidable physicality and a level of ferocity that may quickly become his trademark at Georgia.
Ultimately, we anticipate LeCounte will crack the Bulldogs' defensive two-deep fairly early, wrestling away repetitions from program veterans. LeCounte can provide all-conference capabilities upon his rise atop the depth chart, where he should remain for multiple seasons as Georgia attempts to make a vertical move within a crowded SEC hierarchy.
Quotes and observations obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue, unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings.
Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.
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