Malaki Starks, a safety for Georgia, was a highly anticipated rookie with a lot to prove two years ago. Starks made an immediate impact with the Bulldogs, and he hopes that his background will enable Georgia’s most recent recruits to succeed.
During SEC Media Days, Starks discussed his first year in Athens and some of the freshman defensive backs at Georgia. When asked what guidance he would give the freshman, Starks stressed living in the present and utilizing their time at Georgia to the fullest.
Starks advised, “Just stay where your feet are.” It might be quite a bit. Although it can be quite nerve-racking, you have all you need thanks to the preparation we conduct in the off-season. And remember to rely on your training? You know, I believe that God has given us the ability to accomplish what we do, so it’s vital to just be where you are and rely on your training.”
Starks entered his freshman season as a highly anticipated five-star talent in Georgia’s 2022 class, but it was unknown what his role would be. That changed late in the first quarter of the season against Oregon, when Starks entered off the bench and produced an incredible interception. The young safety didn’t let up after the pick, which effectively announced Starks’ arrival.
In place of Chris Smith, Starks assumed the starting position and stayed there for the whole of Georgia’s 2022 campaign. Starks finished the season with 68 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, and 1 tackle for loss. He was named an Athletic and FWAA Freshman All-American.
With hindsight, Starks acknowledged he wasn’t sure the Oregon game would serve as his career’s catalyst.
“Being in that capacity and being able to cover, I’d say I had a really nice fall camp coming up to the season,” Starks remarked. “I was aware that I would be able to play. I guess things just kind of took off after the first play, but I didn’t expect I would get to play as much.”
Two of the top recruits that Georgia signed just so happen to be defensive backs. The state has added another talented high school class.
Ellis Robinson IV, a cornerback, was Georgia’s top-rated recruit for the 2024 cycle and is anticipated to compete at the corner position. Robinson drew attention during Orange Bowl drills in the winter, and when fall camp begins the next week, there will be no shortage of observers.
“Ellis is far larger than I had anticipated when he first arrived, guy. Ellis is really big “Said Starks. “He is incredible. He aspires to grow and learn. It’s incredible to see the progress he’s making as he gains confidence, as I can already see it.”
Safety KJ Bolden is another highly-rated defensive back for the Bulldogs. He is one of Georgia’s four five-star recruits from the most recent recruiting class. Bolden was once committed to Florida State. The Bulldogs won big when he switched to Georgia in December, and since then, he has worked hard to earn a spot in the starting lineup.
Bolden received praise from Kirby Smart during media days, who told SEC Network that “where he is right now is ahead of maybe where Malaki was at that time.” Bolden received praise from Starks as well, who emphasized how serious Bolden takes his game.
Starks remarked, “His capacity for growth and learning [stands out].” “You experience growing pains when you come here, but he’s handling it well. All he wants to do is study. He’s doing a terrific job; when I look at him at a meeting, I can tell he genuinely wants to learn.”
It’s never easy to see the field at Georgia as a freshman, particularly if you play in the secondary. Bolden and Robinson lead a four-man defensive back class that aims to emulate Starks and the other players that made an instant impression on the Bulldogs.
Starks is aware that Georgia has several gifted defensive backs vying for his spot on the field this autumn. Though the final lineup is still unknown, Starks is pleased with this secondary’s appearance heading into another season.
We truly are who we claim to be. With regard to the secondary, Starks remarked, “We’re tough and relentless.” “There is no weak point in our defense; we can be whatever we want to be.”
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