The experienced safety understands the struggle of competing for a position as a younger player.
Two years ago, Georgia safety Malaki Starks entered as a highly-touted freshman eager to prove himself. Starks quickly excelled with the Bulldogs and hopes his experience will help Georgia’s new recruits start strong.
At SEC Media Days, Starks discussed Georgia’s freshman defensive backs and his own freshman year in Athens. When asked for advice for the newcomers, Starks emphasized staying present and making the most of their training at Georgia.
“Just be where your feet are,” Starks advised. “It can be nerve-wracking, but everything we do before the season prepares us for the games. Lean on your training. God has blessed us with these abilities, so just trust in your preparation and stay in the moment.”
Starks, a highly-touted five-star prospect in Georgia’s 2022 class, had an uncertain role entering his freshman season. That changed in the season opener against Oregon, where he came off the bench and made a spectacular interception in the first quarter, marking his arrival. Starks then became a starter alongside Chris Smith and maintained that role for the rest of the 2022 season, finishing with 68 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, and 1 tackle for loss, earning Freshman All-American honors.
Reflecting on the Oregon game, Starks didn’t expect it to be the launching point of his career. “I had a really good fall camp leading up to the season,” he said. “I knew I’d get to play, but I didn’t expect to play as much. After that first play, everything just took off.”
Georgia’s latest recruiting class includes highly-rated defensive backs, including cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and safety KJ Bolden. Robinson, Georgia’s top signee in the 2024 cycle, impressed during Orange Bowl practices and is expected to compete for a starting spot. “Ellis is bigger than I thought,” Starks said. “He wants to learn and grow, and it’s amazing to watch his progress.”
Bolden, another top recruit and a former Florida State commit, has also impressed. Coach Kirby Smart noted Bolden’s progress, saying he’s ahead of where Starks was at the same time. Starks praised Bolden’s eagerness to learn. “His ability to learn and grow stands out,” Starks said. “He’s taking the growing pains seriously and is doing a great job.”
Seeing the field as a freshman at Georgia, especially in the secondary, is challenging. Robinson and Bolden lead a talented defensive back class aiming to follow Starks’ footsteps. With numerous talented defensive backs vying for positions, Starks feels confident about Georgia’s secondary for the upcoming season. “We’re relentless, we’re tough,” he said. “We can be whoever we want to be, and there’s no weak link in our defense.”
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