Malaki Starks went from 5-star recruit at Jefferson High to All-American for Georgia football.
Now the junior safety is taking the next step in his playing career.
Starks as expected announced Monday on Instagram he’s declared for the NFL draft.
He was a consensus All-American in 2023 and was named a first-team All-American this season by FWAA and AFCA and second-team Walter Camp and AP.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Starks is considered a first-round NFL draft pick and was projected at No. 14 to the Colts by USA Today and CBS Sports.
He led Georgia in tackles this past season with 77 and had one interception and 3 pass breakups, playing both safety and at the Star nickel back position.
Starks rang up 197 career tackles and six interceptions with the Bulldogs in three seasons.
Starks is the latest Georgia player to declare for the NFL draft, joining defensive end Mykel Williams, inside linebacker Jalon Walker, quarterback Carson Beck, offensive guard Tate Ratledge and wide receiver Arian Smith. Defensive lineman Christen Miller announced he plans to return in 2025.
