UGA QB Bauta Will Transfer

ATHENS, Ga. - Georgia’s third-string quarterback who got a surprising start against arch-rival Florida announced Friday he will transfer and not play in the Bulldogs’ upcoming bowl game.

Faton Bauta started at quarterback against No. 11 Florida and finished 15-for-33 for 154 yards and four interceptions in Georgia’s 27-3 loss to the Gators which basically eliminated the Bulldogs from the SEC East title hunt.

The 6-3, 215-pound graduate student who has junior eligibility graduated with a degree in Sport Management in May.

Because he is now a graduate student, Bauta will be able to transfer to any school and be available to play immediately without sitting out a year.

The announcement comes after Sunday’s announcement that Coach Mark Richt had resigned in a mutual agreement between himself and Athletic Director Greg McGarity. On Friday, Richt was introduced as the new head coach at the University of Miami.

“In my four years at Georgia, this university and this football program have allowed me to grow as a man and as a football player,” Bauta said in a news release issued by Georgia Sports Communications.  “I cannot thank Coach Richt, my coaches and my teammates enough for all they have done for me. I will always be grateful for my time in Athens, my degree from this great university and each week I spent battling with my brothers on the field. 

“At this time, I feel that the best option for me is to explore a new opportunity for my final year of eligibility. But I will always be thankful for my years in red and black, for Coach Richt and the coach he has been to me.”

Bauta has played in all 12 games this year, primarily as the holder on special teams.

For his career, Bauta finished 19-for-38 for 202 yards passing. On the ground, he had 13 carries for 50 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bulldogs (9-3) will learn their bowl destination on Sunday.