Malaki Starks has quickly become one of the most exciting defensive backs in college football. The Georgia Bulldogs’ star safety is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with scouts praising his rare combination of athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability. This covers everything about Starks – from his early life and college career to his NFL potential, personal life, physical attributes, and future outlook.
Malaki Starks’ Age & Early Life
- Full Name: Malaki Starks
- Born: November 28, 2003
- Age: 20 years old (as of 2024)
- Hometown: Jefferson, Georgia
- High School: Jefferson High School
Starks was a five-star recruit and considered the No. 1 athlete in the 2022 recruiting class by 247Sports. He was named Georgia’s Mr. Football in 2021 after dominating as both a safety and quarterback.
Physical Attributes & Measurables
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Arm Length | 32.5 inches |
| Hand Size | 9.75 inches |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.45 seconds |
| Vertical Jump | 38 inches |
Starks’ elite athletic testing numbers match his exceptional on-field performance, making him one of the most complete safety prospects in recent years.
College Football Career
Recruitment & Commitment
- Class: 2022 (Consensus 5-star recruit)
- Ranking: No. 1 ATH nationally (247Sports Composite)
- Finalists: Georgia, Alabama, Clemson
- Commitment: Signed with Georgia
College Stats & Highlights
| Season | Games | Tackles | INTs | PBUs | TFLs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15 | 68 | 2 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 2023 | 14 | 52 | 3 | 5 | 2.0 |
| 2024 | (Projected) | 65+ | 4+ | 8+ | 3+ |
Career Achievements:
- Freshman All-American (2022)
- First-team All-SEC (2023)
- Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist (2023)
- National Champion (2022)
NFL Draft Projection
Scouting Report
Strengths:
✔️ Elite range and coverage skills
✔️ Exceptional football IQ and instincts
✔️ Big-hitting ability in run support
✔️ Versatile (can play FS, SS, nickel)
✔️ Proven championship pedigree
Areas for Improvement:
❌ Can improve angles in open field
❌ Needs more consistency in man coverage
❌ Occasionally over-pursues plays
Draft Outlook
- Projection: Top 15 pick (2025 NFL Draft)
- Potential Teams:
- Seattle Seahawks
- Chicago Bears
- Las Vegas Raiders
- NFL Comparison: Kyle Hamilton (Ravens)
Personal Life
Family Background
- Father: Name not publicly disclosed (former athlete)
- Mother: Name not publicly disclosed
- Siblings: Two younger brothers (both football players)
Relationships
- Girlfriend: Currently dating a UGA volleyball player (name not public)
- Children: None
Financial Profile
- Current Net Worth: $800K+ (NIL deals)
- NIL Portfolio:
- Athens-area businesses
- National sports brands
- Athletic apparel partnerships
- Future NFL Earnings Potential: $18M+ (projected first contract)
Lifestyle
- Current Residence: Off-campus house near UGA
- Car Collection: Jeep Grand Cherokee (NIL perk)
- Off-field Interests: Fishing, video games, mentoring youth
NFL Connections
- College Teammates:
- Javon Bullard (Packers safety)
- Kelee Ringo (Eagles CB)
- NFL Mentors:
- Richard LeCounte (former UGA safety)
- Lewis Cine (Vikings safety)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What position does Malaki Starks play?
Free safety (with versatility to play strong safety)
2. How tall is Malaki Starks?
6’1″ (185 cm)
3. What are Malaki Starks’ draft projections?
Consensus first-round pick in 2025
4. Why did Starks choose Georgia?
Championship culture and defensive back development
5. What is Malaki Starks’ net worth?
Estimated $800K+ from NIL deals
6. Which NFL teams are most interested?
Seahawks, Bears, Raiders (all need safety help)
7. What makes Starks special?
Rare combination of size, speed, and ball skills
Conclusion: A Future NFL Star
Malaki Starks represents the prototype for the modern NFL safety – equally capable of making game-changing plays in coverage while providing physical run support. His development at Georgia under elite defensive coaching has prepared him to make an immediate impact at the next level. With his combination of athleticism, intelligence, and championship experience, Starks appears destined to be a long-time NFL starter who could make multiple Pro Bowls in his career.