Malaki

Starks

A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Starks (6’1/197) enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the most battle-tested and decorated safeties in the class. A former five-star recruit and top-15 overall prospect, Starks started 42 games for Georgia, racking up 197 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 21 PBUs while anchoring the back end of one of the nation’s most vaunted defenses. Starks’ football IQ and positional versatility are readily apparent on tape. He consistently demonstrates range on deep routes, fluid hips to mirror receivers, and an ability to trigger downhill with conviction. His 2023 tape stood out, earning him First-Team All-American honors and finalist nods for both the Bronko Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Awards. However, despite his impressive long speed (4.50 40-yard dash, 8.40 RAS speed score), Starks tested poorly in short-area agility drills at the NFL Combine, posting 26th percentile marks in the shuttle and 3-cone, respectively. That “feast-or-famine” athletic profile was reflected in his RAS of 5.29. On film, Starks plays faster than he tests, using anticipation and route recognition to gain an edge. He thrives when the play is in front of him and he’s allowed to key and drive, but his change-of-direction limitations can be exposed in man coverage and tight spaces. Starks projects as a starting safety in a split-zone or quarters-heavy scheme. His ceiling will hinge on his consistency and ability to mitigate agility limitations at the next level.

Starks (6'2/191) signed with Georgia over the likes of Alabama and Clemson on National Signing Day. He is listed as the nation’s No. 14 overall player and as the top ranked athlete in this class. He is expected to be a safety at the college level.

Starks (6'2'/191) bumps the Bulldogs up to seven pledges in the new cycle. Alabama and Clemson were the other two contenders for this pledge. Hailing from Jefferson, Georgia, the two-way athlete will begin his career in Athens on the defensive side, as he profiles as a safety or linebacker for the collegiate level. On the 247Sports composite board, Starks slots in as the No. 29 overall prospect in the 2022 class. With development, Starks has the upside to progress toward the pros in a few years.

Starks has also narrowed down his list of schools. As of now, Starks is down to a trio of powerhouses: Alabama, Clemson, and Georgia. Starks plays his high school ball in Georgia, so it could make sense that they get some priority, but Alabama and Clemson are simply better programs and may be more appealing for that reason. The 6-foot-2, 191-pound ATH plays DB, RB, and WR, and could reasonably transition full-time to any of those roles at his eventual school.