Malaki Starks, Jalen Carter key Georgia defensive growth at the most important time

By Connor Riley, DawgNation.com

November 09, 2022 at 5:25 am EST

Malaki Starks (Getty) ATHENS, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 05: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs talks with Malaki Starks #24 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium on November 05, 2022 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

By Connor Riley, DawgNation.com

November 09, 2022 at 5:25 am EST

ATHENS — Most freshmen would be overwhelmed taking on the No. 1 scoring offense in the country in a game between top-ranked teams. Playing safety as the last line of defense against the most explosive offense in college football is certainly a tricky task, even for the most experienced of players.

But as Georgia fans well know by this point, Malaki Starks is not like most freshmen.

The young safety led Georgia in tackles on Saturday with 10. He also added a pass deflection as well. The performance was recognized by the SEC on Monday, with Starks taking home co-freshman of the week honors. He split the award with LSU tight end Mason Taylor.