Georgia head coach Kirby Smart released his first official comments on Georgia safety after he was injured in a traffic accident over the weekend.
“He was transferred from an ICU room to a regular room, which is a good step, good news,” Smart said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He has had wonderful parents and we are in touch with them. They have been here and were able to be with him this time.”
“We are all optimistic and look forward to a full recovery.”
Smart said the team had sent video messages to the senior security and congratulated him. Smart said the league is out of the future in terms of field viewing.
“It hurt my heart so much,” attacker Jamari Salier said of the news. “I know Richard loves his team. He loves football. He wants to be a leader. I know it hurts him to be in this position and not be out with him.”
In the crash LeGount suffered a concussion, shoulder injury and some injured ribs, but fortunately none of the injuries required surgery. The crash happened Saturday evening after the Bulldogs returned home 14-3 against Kentucky.
According to a police report released by the Athens-Clark County Police Department, he was riding his Yamaha Dirt bike traveling west on the LeGount Magon Highway when he was struck by a car that turned left as a gas station. The dirty bike then went into the oncoming traffic lane and then it collided with another vehicle.
Related: Details emerge from the Halloween Night motorcycle accident at Georgia Defense Richard League County
Georgia on Sunday released a statement updating the status of the league.
“Richard Le Count was injured in a car accident Saturday evening in Athens,” the statement said. “He was taken to the Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center where he was treated at the trauma center. He is still in hospital for further medical care. His injuries are not life-threatening and a full recovery is expected.
“We would like to thank the emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses and other medical staff who helped maintain Richard. At this time we would like to thank all of Richard’s family for their thoughts, prayers and greetings.”
The league had 13 blocks, three pass break-ups and one stumble in Saturday’s win against Kentucky. He was selected as the first team All-SEC the previous season and intercepted Georgia with three men. As for the Kentucky game, he was announced as SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
#SECFB Defensive Player of the Week: ில் lil Easy_35
Full Release https://t.co/NlaYEjo4Il pic.twitter.com/XvnjP51vHT
– Southeast Conference (@SEC) November 2, 2020
Georgia was already facing a serious injury situation as Jordan Davis, Julian Rochester, Louis Cini and Quay Walker all left the game on the defensive side of the ball due to injury. Smart rejected Rochester, saying they would wait and see in Davis. Provided a very positive outlook for Smart Cine and Walker.
The league was asked how Georgia was going to deal with injuries after winning the Wild Gates.
“Sorry to say this, but this is the next man in the business,” LeGound said. “We have the guys who came here to do these things. A couple of guys are drowning and we’re ready to come back next week and fix what needs to be fixed.
“We have a lot of guys waiting for the opportunity to show what they can do. I’m excited for those guys and I pray for a quick recovery for the injured guys.”
As for changing the league, it depends on the health of Saturn who left the game with an ankle injury. Smart said he expects Sini to be able to go, however it depends on how it progresses during the week. He was replaced by junior Christopher Smith in the game. If Cine can play he can expect to see a lot of Cine and Smith because he missed the second half of the Auburn game instead of Legaund by a goal out.
“Chris [Smith] It played a lot for us, ”Smart said. “Richard came out of a game aiming and then he came in and played for Lewis the next day. We feel like Chris has a lot of experience. Chris is working really hard and he’s ready to play.”
If Cini can’t move, Georgia could move Mark Webb or Tyrik Stevenson from Star status to safety. Georgia cross-trains throughout the secondary and the star sometimes acts safely depending on the situation. Both Webb and Stevenson have significant game experience, however that does not provide what LeGount does.
If the Bulldogs really push into that position then the Bulldogs could turn to Junior Latavius Brini or the newcomer Major Burns.
Florida have a strong passing attack led by the likes of quarterback Kyle Trask, Tight End Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Catarius Tony. When Georgia faced Alabama, the Alabama quarterback struggled in the second half as Mac Jones threw 417 yards and four touchdown passes. League count injury puts a huge responsibility on the corners of Georgia and rushes to affect the game.
Bulldogs had four excuses against Kentucky and led the conference in that respect.
Georgia and Florida Saturday at 3:30 pm ET at Jacksonville, Fla. The Bulldogs have won the last three games of the series, 24-17 in 2019.
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