Faton Bauta came into the Georgia football Spring as the probable odd man out in the quarterback race, but after Saturday’s spring game he’s just muddied things up more.
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Everyone has assumed that the three-man Georgia quarterback race was really Brice Ramsey and Jacob Park battling for the starters job, and Faton Bauta there just to keep everyone else honest.
Bauta had something to say about those preconceived notions at Saturday’s Spring Game.
G-Day was a big coming out party for Bauta, who has steadily improved his play all through the Spring, going 16-of-25 for 171 yards and one touchdown. He was by far the most effective quarterback on the field in Sanford Stadium on that particular day.
Beyond the good numbers, it was apparent that Bauta was in complete control of the offense, and he looked as comfortable as a 3-year starter rather than a guy who’s been riding the pine since arriving in Athens.
Bauta has long been known as a good runner, but he showed everyone on Saturday that he’s got an accurate arm and makes a lot of good decisions. Essentially a Hutson Mason with the ability to bust through a defensive line or get to the edge with some hop in his step.
Should Ramsey and Park take this as a serious threat to their potential starting job? Absolutely. Bauta has been chomping at the bit for his chance to shine, and he’ll be a tough competitor in a battle that may come down to the final practice before opening day.
The Spring Game performance may only be the tip of the iceberg of that which Bauta is capable, and the quarterback battle in Athens became a lot more interesting this weekend.