College Sports

Georgia star safety LeCounte injured in motorcycle wreck

Posted November 01, 2020 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) tackles Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Oct. 31, 2020, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) The Associated Press

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Georgia star safety Richard LeCounte was injured in a motorcycle accident shortly after the Bulldogs returned to Athens from their victory at Kentucky.

LeCounte, one of the team's top defensive players, was taken to the trauma center at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. He was still being treated Sunday, according to Ron Courson, the school's director of sports medicine.

'œHis injuries are not life-threatening and a full recovery is expected,'ť Courson said in a statement.

Courson did not say how long LeCounte might be out of action for No. 5 Georgia (4-1). The Bulldogs have a huge game next weekend, facing No. 8 Florida (3-1) in the annual 'œCocktail Party'ť clash in Jacksonville.

LeCounte's mother, Erika Blocker-LeCounte, said her son was struck by two cars while driving his motorcycle Saturday night, just hours after the Bulldogs had flown home from their 14-3 victory over Kentucky.

LeCounte had a career-high 13 tackles and a fumble recovery in the game. For the season, he leads the team with three interceptions.

'œHe's lucky to be alive,'ť Blocker-LeCounte told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 'œHe was wearing his helmet and (that) saved his life.'ť

The Journal-Constitution said LeCounte sustained a shoulder injury, bruised ribs and several cuts and scrapes. He did not have any broken bones and no surgery will be required.

'œGod spared him his life, we can't ask for more,'ť his mother said. 'œGlory to God.'ť

If LeCounte is out for an extended period, the Bulldogs will likely go with junior Christopher Smith at the safety spot.

After Saturday's game, LeCounte talked about how the defense was going to have to press on in the wake of injuries to several key players, including fellow safety Lewis Cine, who sustained an ankle injury.

'œSorry to say it, but it really is the next man up in this profession,'ť LeCounte said. 'œA couple of guys got dinged up and we're ready to come back next week and fix what we need to fix. We have a lot of guys waiting to get the chance to show what they are able to do, and I'm excited for those guys."

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Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte holds his shoulder during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) The Associated Press

Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) runs past Arkansas lineman Myron Cunningham (76) as he returns an interception during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2019, file photo, Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) celebrates after a stop in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, in Athens, Ga. LeCounte was selected to The Associated Press All-America first team, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP)/Athens Banner-Herald via AP) The Associated Press

Georgia running back Zamir White (3) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Oct. 31, 2020, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) The Associated Press

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) tackles Kentucky quarterback Joey Gatewood (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston) The Associated Press

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