ATHENS -- Faton Bauta started his first game as a Georgia Bulldog last Saturday and while it wasn't pretty, he drew positive reviews from his head coach and teammates for his poise, competitiveness, and leadership.

When the Bulldogs returned to practice on Monday, he took his role as a leader even further. Rather than just stand around and watch during practice when it isn't his time to run the offense, the junior signal caller decided that he wanted to see some action on the other side of the ball -- as a scout-team player.

“This week, he went to coach Schottenheimer and said, ‘Can I work some scout team safety? Because I want to make sure I stay in shape, and when it’s time for me to get reps on offense, I’ll get reps on offense. But when I’m not getting reps on offense, I think I can help the team by giving a good look on the scout team as a safety,'" UGA Head Coach Mark Richt said.

The results thus far have been positive. No, Bauta isn't going out there delivering big hits on ball carriers or picking off passes from his position as a scout-team defensive back. But he is doing something he's very good at -- leading.

"He’s back there running around, getting the scout team juiced up, fired up," Richt said. Then when it’s time to take offensive plays, he runs over there and takes offensive plays. That’s leadership to me. That’s a competitive spirit. That’s a guy who wants to help Georgia win. I admire that about him.”

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