Malaki Starks provides update on his injury recovery

Malaki Starks might be the best player on every field he steps on this season. The safety has been an impact player for Georgia from the moment he stepped on campus. One more season in Athens will take place in 2024 before heading to the 2025 NFL Draft and likely hearing his name called early Thursday night.

Some offseason bumps have gotten in Starks’ way before the Aug. 31 opener against Clemson, though. He suffered a shoulder injury and had to undergo surgery, something he is still not 100% healthy from yet. Starks is getting closer and closer, hopeful he can be back to normal ways by the time Georgia puts on the pads in a few weeks.

“I’m feeling good,” Starks said Tuesday at SEC Media Days. “Surgery went well. My rehab is going good, and I think it’s just going back to that phase of being able to trust myself again. Going through summer workouts and stuff, I’m gaining that trust back, and I feel really good. I’m excited for fall camp to hit.”

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart gave an update of his own, having positive things to say. Smart even admitted he does not consider Starks as somebody currently dealing with an injury — he’s trending well.

“Malaki’s great, typical surgery, shoulder surgery we have, labrum repair,” Smart said. “He’s been on schedule. He actually did some things in spring practice non-contact. I wasn’t even thinking of him as an injury guy.”

Starks was a Consensus All-American during the 2023 season, somehow topping his freshman campaign. In 14 games played, he recorded 52 tackles while once again being incredible in coverage. Three interceptions were a career-high while 10 PBU are on the stat sheet too.

Somebody who finds a way to play centerfield on a football field.

Expectations will be high for the defensive back once again. Georgia is hoping to have one of the best units in the country and likely will, to no surprise. Starks will be a key reason why SEC quarterbacks will be tracking him every moment on pre-snap scenarios.

A test will come early on with Clemson hoping an improved Cade Klubnik can showcase his talents in Atlanta in what could be college football’s top opening weekend matchup. Starks will be attempting to slow down the Tigers but first and foremost, getting the shoulder back to full health is on his mind.