Georgia DB Richard LeCounte Announces He is Returning to Athens for Senior Season

Georgia Bulldogs DB Richard LeCounte
Georgia Bulldogs DB Richard LeCounte / Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The Georgia Bulldogs might have lost star running back D'Andre Swift, but one of their major defensive leaders will suit up in Athens for one more go around.

Defensive back Richard LeCounte III announced that he will turn down the NFL, for now, and will return to Athens for his senior season with the Bulldogs.

The Riceboro native made 61 tackles, defended three passes, forced two fumbles, and set a new career high with four interceptions, splitting his time on defense between deep safety, slot corner, and outside corner.

LeCounte is a tremendously smart player with physicality and speed to boot, but he still figured to be selected somewhere late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 of the 2020 draft. His return to Georgia could push him up into the Day 1 conversation provided he has another strong season.

As Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs look to repeat as SEC East champs, LeCounte's return is a major boost for a Georgia defense that could be out several key players next year.