Georgia Safety, Malaki Starks Receiving “Ball Magnet” Label In Latest NFL Draft Talks

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one player whose name is gaining significant attention is Malaki Starks, a safety from the University of Georgia. Starks, widely regarded as one of the best defensive prospects in college football, has been labeled a “ball magnet” due to his exceptional playmaking ability and knack for being around the football. This label comes as no surprise to those who have watched Starks’ rise through the ranks, as his ability to track the ball and make game-changing plays has been a hallmark of his career.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into what makes Malaki Starks such a special talent, why he’s been given the “ball magnet” moniker, and how his skill set could translate to the NFL. We’ll also explore the impact of his play on Georgia’s defense, the potential landing spots for him in the upcoming draft, and the expectations surrounding his transition to the professional ranks.

The Rise of Malaki Starks

Malaki Starks, a native of Jefferson, Georgia, was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. Ranked as one of the top safeties in the 2022 recruiting class, Starks quickly became a fixture in Georgia’s defensive scheme after arriving on campus. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his natural instincts, football IQ, and versatility.

Starks has excelled in multiple roles within the Georgia defense, from playing in the deep third to covering slot receivers and even occasionally stepping into the box as a linebacker. His ability to play in various positions within the secondary highlights his football intelligence and adaptability—traits that have endeared him to NFL scouts and coaches alike.

As a true sophomore in the 2024 season, Starks continued to elevate his game. He was one of the key pieces on a defense that helped Georgia claim another National Championship. Throughout the season, Starks displayed his ability to disrupt the passing game, forcing turnovers, reading quarterbacks’ eyes, and being a constant threat to make a big play. His playmaking ability was evident in Georgia’s biggest games, and by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around, many believe that Starks will be one of the top prospects available.

What Makes Malaki Starks a “Ball Magnet”?

The “ball magnet” label attached to Starks stems from his remarkable ability to consistently be in the right place at the right time. It’s not just that he is capable of making plays on the ball; it’s the fact that he has an innate feel for the game and can anticipate where the action will unfold. This intuition is often seen in his ability to position himself for interceptions, fumble recoveries, and pass breakups.

1. Playmaking Ability

Starks is one of those rare players who can make a play in almost any situation. Whether it’s tracking the quarterback’s eyes and jumping a route, diagnosing a screen play and jumping in to break it up, or forcing a fumble on a running back, Starks seems to be everywhere on the field. His ability to make an impact in a variety of ways—interceptions, pass breakups, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss—makes him a complete safety.

His ball skills are particularly impressive, as he has a knack for coming down with the ball in critical moments. In the 2024 season, Starks recorded multiple interceptions and consistently found ways to disrupt the opposing passing game. His ability to read quarterbacks and receivers allows him to jump routes and take calculated risks that pay off. This level of anticipation and confidence in his ability to react to the ball is what earns him the “ball magnet” label.

2. Football IQ

Malaki Starks’ football IQ is off the charts. He has the ability to read offenses and recognize patterns in real-time, which is a key trait of a player with a high-level understanding of the game. His ability to diagnose plays before they develop allows him to make split-second decisions that often lead to takeaways. Whether it’s recognizing a change in offensive formation or identifying a route combination, Starks seems to always be one step ahead of his opponents.

Georgia defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has repeatedly praised Starks’ understanding of the game, and his leadership in the secondary has been a big part of Georgia’s success over the past few years. Starks is the type of player who can make adjustments on the fly and provide leadership to a defense that is already loaded with talent.

3. Athleticism and Ball Tracking

In addition to his mental acumen, Starks is an outstanding athlete. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 200 pounds, he has the size and speed to excel in both run support and pass coverage. His ability to track the ball in the air is a crucial part of his playmaking ability. Starks has an exceptional vertical leap, which allows him to go up and get passes that most safeties would struggle to intercept. His closing speed is also a key factor in his ability to break on passes and create turnovers.

His fluidity in coverage and ability to react quickly when the ball is in the air make him a threat every time the quarterback releases the ball. He’s able to cover ground quickly and has the ball skills to finish plays when the opportunity arises.

Starks’ Role in Georgia’s Defense

Malaki Starks was a critical component of Georgia’s defense, and his versatility allowed defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann to move him around and exploit matchups. Whether he was playing as a traditional safety in the back end or operating closer to the line of scrimmage in a more hybrid role, Starks’ ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him a key figure in Georgia’s success.

In a defense that included future NFL stars like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, Starks’ ability to play in a variety of positions made him one of the most dynamic players on the field. His coverage ability in the secondary combined with his physicality in the run game made him a complete safety, and he played a vital role in Georgia’s dominance over opposing offenses.

NFL Draft Outlook: Where Could Malaki Starks Land?

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Malaki Starks is poised to be one of the top safeties off the board. His combination of ball skills, football IQ, athleticism, and versatility make him a desirable prospect for NFL teams looking to improve their secondary.

1. Ideal Fit: Teams in Need of a Playmaking Safety

Teams that need a playmaking safety who can be a game-changer in both coverage and run support will be looking closely at Starks. His ability to create turnovers and change the momentum of a game is a valuable asset in today’s NFL, where offensive explosiveness is paramount. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings, all of whom have solid defenses but could use a ball-hawking safety, would be ideal landing spots for Starks.

2. Potential First-Round Selection

As the draft approaches, many analysts expect Starks to be a first-round selection. His high-level play throughout his career, coupled with his physical tools, have put him in the conversation as one of the top defensive prospects. The versatility he provides, being able to line up as a deep safety, in the box, or as a slot cornerback, makes him incredibly valuable to teams looking to strengthen their secondary. His ball-hawking ability could make him a standout in a league that values turnovers and defensive playmaking.

3. Comparison to Other Georgia Safeties

Starks’ profile is often compared to other successful Georgia safeties who made an impact in the NFL, such as Richard LeCounte and J.R. Reed. However, Starks is considered a more complete player than his predecessors, with better athleticism and ball skills. His potential to become a difference-maker in the NFL has led many to believe he will outperform those comparisons.