Georgia safety Malaki Starks earned freshman All-American honors in the Bulldogs’ 2022 national title season after finishing third on the team in tackles (69), first in pass breakups (7) and second in interceptions (2).
The former five-star recruit’s ability to contribute right away on one of the most talented defenses in college football was evident from the jump in the Bulldogs’ season opening win over Oregon.
I have watched this play from Malaki Starks (Georgia CB) about 1000 times on a loop. Just unreal ball skills and tracking ability! pic.twitter.com/WbryDGPFWJ
— Ben Glassmire (@BenGlassmireNFL) September 7, 2022
Pro Football Focus recently named Starks the No. 3 returning safety for the 2023 season.
The Top-🔟 Returning Safeties in College Football, per @Chad_Maxwick pic.twitter.com/tr6NtvcXxq
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 18, 2023
The Bulldogs are in good hands with Starks’ return, but questions remain at safety following the departure of All-American safety Christopher Smith to the NFL draft.
Rising seniors Dan Jackson and Tykee Smith return with multiple starts under their belts, and Georgia brought in former Texas A&M safety Smoke Boujie via the transfer portal this offseason.