Browns’ Lecounte makes coaches take notice
Former Auburn and current Central Florida coach Gus Malzahn offered his assessment of Richard Lecounte III on draft day when he said the Browns got a steal. Malzahn might have been displaying his prescience regarding the rookie safety.
Malzahn, who left Auburn this past year, attests to Lecounte's prowess, calling him consistently one of the best defensive backs in the SEC, as his eight career interceptions attest.
"I just know it felt like he was there for 10 years while I was at Auburn," Malzahn said. "He was one of the best secondary guys in our league."
However, when you're a fifth-round draft choice, platitudes from those who have coached against you will only go so far and you have to ensure that you stand out in your first NFL training camp.
Lecounte, who played against Malzahn's Auburn teams while at Georgia, certainly has given that his best shot. His ball-hawking ways appear to have flown with him to the Browns. He's grabbed two interceptions in the preseason.
“Ball finds a way to him, and he has great ball skills. Certainly, did in college, as well,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “To be able to get the ball at the end was important. We finished even in the turnover margin to be able to get that one to offset our previous giveaway.”
Lecounte said he just has a nose for the football.
“Definitely, man. Good things happen when you run to the ball,” he said. “Whenever I am on the field, I am active, trying to get around the ball and be the best teammate that I can be.”
He says a mix of characteristics account for the ability.