When Georgia safety Malaki Starks earned a starting role for the Bulldogs, it didn’t come easy. In a program loaded with talent, every starting spot is earned through relentless competition. But for Starks, one particular battle helped him prove he was ready—going up against star tight end Brock Bowers in practice.
Bowers, a former Mackey Award winner and one of the most dominant tight ends in college football, is known for his elite route running, strong hands, and ability to create mismatches against defenders. Facing him in practice would be a challenge for any defensive back, but Starks not only held his own—he excelled.
Reports from Georgia’s practice sessions reveal that Starks regularly went one-on-one with Bowers in coverage drills, showing impressive instincts, athleticism, and physicality. His ability to keep up with one of the nation’s best offensive weapons caught the attention of the coaching staff, cementing his place in Georgia’s starting lineup.
Earning His Spot on a Championship-Caliber Defense
Georgia has been a defensive powerhouse in recent years, sending elite talent to the NFL and consistently ranking among the top defenses in the country. With a roster full of five-star recruits, competition for starting jobs is fierce. Starks, however, embraced the challenge.
As a highly rated recruit, Starks arrived in Athens with high expectations, but nothing was guaranteed. He had to prove he could adapt to the speed and complexity of Georgia’s defensive schemes. By stepping up in key moments during practice—especially against a player of Bowers’ caliber—he showed the coaching staff that he was ready to be a difference-maker in the secondary.
Head coach Kirby Smart has always emphasized the importance of competition in practice, often stating that Georgia’s toughest matchups happen on the practice field rather than on Saturdays. Starks’ ability to perform against Bowers—one of the best tight ends in the nation—was a clear indicator that he could handle top-tier competition when it mattered most.
A Star in the Making
Now entrenched as a starter, Starks is expected to play a major role in Georgia’s defense this season. His combination of speed, physicality, and football IQ makes him a key asset in the secondary. If his performances in practice against Bowers are any indication, Georgia fans can expect big things from him this season.
With Starks patrolling the back end of the defense, the Bulldogs remain in good hands as they continue their pursuit of another national championship.
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