Malaki Starks and his case as top safety in college football
There’s no doubt Malaki Starks is one of the top defensive backs in all of college football, but there’s a difference of opinion between ESPN and Pro Football Focus as to whether he’s No. 1 or No. 2.
According to PFF, Starks is the nation’s second-best returning safety behind Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, who spent last season at Alabama. It’s not too shabby by any means, but when ESPN says you’re the No. 1 defensive back regardless of position and are coming off of a season in which you were a finalist for several awards given to the best players at the position, seeing Starks not at the top is a little bit puzzling.
“From the very first time Starks stepped on the field for the Bulldogs, there was a feeling that the five-star safety was different,” ESPN’s Mark Schlabach wrote. “In the first quarter of his first collegiate game Sept. 3, 2022, Starks intercepted a deep pass from Oregon quarterback Bo Nix. He high-pointed the ball and hauled it in while falling backward in Georgia’s 49-3 victory. Starks was named a freshman All-American while helping lead the Bulldogs to their second straight CFP national championship.”
“Last season, Starks was even better. He was named a consensus All-American after totaling 52 tackles, 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups, which was sixth among all Power 5 safeties, according to Pro Football Focus. With safeties Tykee Smith and Javon Bullard leaving for the NFL draft, Starks will have an even more important role on the back end of Georgia’s defense this season,” he continued. “He could become the Bulldogs’ first two-time All-American safety since John Little in 1985-86. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior is projected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL draft.”
Starks is ahead of Travis Hunter (Colorado), Will Johnson (Michigan) and Downs in the top spot. He didn’t receive the most first-place votes from the reporters that chimed in, getting two – tied with Downs and one behind Johnson – but the stats certainly speak for themself. Starks is an impact player at an impact position and has a chance to be potentially the best defender in all of the country next season on his way to an early draft pick.
Yes, we can understand the hype for Downs as he heads to the Big Ten after an outstanding freshman season at Alabama. Starks had a phenomenal first year and built on it. We expect to see Downs do the same thing. However, the more veteran and equally talented player seems like the one that should get the nod for the spot as the top safety in the sport.
Georgia continues spring practice with its ninth session, and first scrimmage, on Saturday. Starks will not be a participant in the action as he continues to recover from an offseason shoulder surgery that has him sidelined this spring. He is expected back without any problems for fall camp.
