Georgia’s defensive backfield received some good news over this past weekend with the return of Richard LeCounte for his senior season. However, that return may have led to the departure of another safety.

According to a report from Al.com’s Matt Zentiz, sophomore safety Otis Reese has entered the transfer portal. Reese signed as a member of Georgia’s 2018 class and was the No. 87 overall prospect for the cycle.

Reese appeared in 14 games this past season but recorded only three tackles. He played mostly on special teams, as LeCounte and senior J.R. Reed took most of the snaps at safety. When Reed missed the Sugar Bowl due to injury, most of his snaps went to freshman Lewis Cine.

Related: With Richard LeCounte returning, Kirby Smart might have his best secondary yet

Reese does have three years of eligibility remaining but he would have to sit out next season unless he is granted a waiver by the NCAA. Reese is originally from Leesburg, Ga., and was the No. 12 player in the state of Georgia for the 2018 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He was listed as an outside linebacker prospect coming out but moved to safety at Georgia. Reese was also a long-time Michigan commit during his recruiting process.

He becomes the second Georgia defender to enter the transfer portal this offseason, as outside linebacker Robert Beal did so in December. Beal did travel with the to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

Georgia does have one safety signee in the 2020 recruiting class as it landed 4-star prospect Major Burns out of Baton Rouge, La. Georgia is also still in the running for 4-star prospect Avantae Williams who will announce his decision in February. He ranks as the No. 55 overall player and has said Georgia will get an official visit.

In addition to LeCounte coming back, cornerback Eric Stokes also announced he would return for his redshirt junior season at Georgia. Stokes started every game for Georgia this past season. Georgia also signed cornerback prospects Kelee Ringo and Jalen Kimber as a part of the 2020 class.

Georgia will also return contributors Tyson Campbell, D.J. Daniel, Mark Webb, Divaad Wilson and Tyrique Stevenson for next season. The Bulldogs begin the 2020 campaign on Sept. 7 when they take on Virginia. The game will be played in Mercedes-Benz Stadium as a part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic.

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