Malaki Starks ‘earned that right’ to start at safety for Georgia football

Malaki Starks Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks (24) makes a spectacular interception against Oregon in the 2022 Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game played September 3rd in Atlanta, GA, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Photo credit Perry McIntyre. (Perry McIntyre)

September 14, 2022 at 2:25 p.m. UTC

By Connor Riley, DawgNation

ATHENS — Given the recruiting ranking Malaki Starks arrived at Georgia with, there was a natural desire to want to see him on the field quickly. Starks was the No. 1 ranked athlete in the 2022 recruiting cycle and the No. 19 overall player.

The only player that entered with a higher recruiting ranking was Mykel Wiliams, who started in his first career game against Oregon.

Starks only had to wait one more game to make his debut, as his first career start came on Saturday against Samford.

“Malaki has earned that right,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. “Dan (Jackson)’s not upset about that. He’s a team player. He gets it. Dan has a major role on our special teams units and he continues to play on defense. So you’re one play away at all times.”