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Talk about getting off to a good start.
Class of 2017 five-star athlete Richard LeCounte III (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County) is the first verbal commitment of the Kirby Smart era at Georgia.
This is a great early pick-up for the Bulldogs for a number of reasons. First and foremost, LeCounte is a great prospect. He has rare elusiveness with the ball in his hands. He can make a guy miss in a phone booth and constantly shows that on film. He’s versatile position-wise — you could see him at receiver or possibly cornerback and obviously he would be a dynamic weapon in the return game. He plays quarterback for his high school team and oftentimes there is a greater amount of positive intangibles for players that have experience at the most important position on the field.
Second, Georgia kept one of the top in-state prospects at home when the entire country wanted him. Ohio State was a factor here (obviously you can see why the Buckeyes covet a player with this skill set), and the entire SEC wanted him. Smart has a proven track record as a great recruiter and getting this one in the boat before he’s even assembled a staff is a testament to his ability.
And finally, UGA has a need for dynamic playmakers with this type of skill set. Isaiah McKenzie and Terry Godwin are two current Bulldogs who can make things happen in the way LeCounte can, but you need more than just two. In fact, you need as many as you can get. Speaking in broader terms, Coastal Georgia (where Hinesville is located) is a hidden gem of an area for talent. The high schools in that area don’t produce the numbers every cycle like some programs in Atlanta do, but there are always great individual talents in this area.
Another feather in Smart’s cap is the fact that UGA hasn’t always had great success in this area. The Bulldogs have signed their share, but Ohio State, Alabama and other programs also have made in-roads there.
LeCounte is one of three prospects committed to Georgia for the Class of 2017. He is the No. 22 overall prospect in the cycle according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South
