"He has great characteristics of a leader. He works hard. He studies. He behaves. He does all the things you would want a leader to do and I think he's gained the respect of our team," Richt said of the 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker. "Sometimes a freshman can come in and get into a starting role, there might be some resentment, especially if a guy is real cocky or brash or acts like he owns the place. … but when a guy comes in with a humble spirit, works his tail off and just physically gets the job done, like Shaq did, I think they're embracing the guy. I think they're excited about him being here."