Potential Return of Jordan Davis and Richard LeCounte Could Energize Georgia Defense

The Georgia defense was considered among the nation’s elite in the preseason. Most of the season, the defense lived up to the hype, but even the most elite unit can not overcome the never-ending battle against attrition and explosive, point-scoring offenses.

Two high scoring games saw critics question the Georgia defensive unit’s talent: the talk of the offseason. Both of Georgia’s two losses on the season saw the opponent put up more than 40 points and win decisively.

The absences of two leaders defensively have shaken a Georgia defensive unit for the past three games. Georgia lost senior safety to an off-field accident that put Richard LeCounte for a near two months following the Kentucky win. Jordan Davis went down with a shoulder injury in the victory over the Wildcats.

Both players are instrumental in the success of the Georgia unit. Jordan Davis has started in 20 games in Athens as the nose tackle. Davis burst onto the scene in the 2018 season. The redshirt freshman was a mountain of a man and clogged running lanes for opposing offenses.

Early on, Richard LeCounte’s mistakes drew attention to his immense talent and exceptional playmaking ability. Poor tackling led to multiple public callouts by Kirby Smart as he challenged the young safety to improve. LeCounte has transitioned away from the big hitter approach to being a constant playmaker on the backend.

LeCounte’s endless energy and leadership bring confidence to the defense. Simultaneously, Jordan Davis sets an example up front, executing the gameplan and drawing double teams, freeing his teammates off the edge.

After nearly two months on the sideline, both players could see action on the road against Missouri. The Tigers ranked 25th by the latest CFP Playoff Committee have won the games that they are supposed to win simultaneously being competitive against better competition.