Kirby Smart gets real honest about the current state of Georgia’s safety room outside of KJ Bolden

As the University of Georgia Bulldogs continue to establish themselves as one of the most dominant programs in college football under head coach Kirby Smart, expectations for each position group remain at an all-time high. While Georgia has long been known for its elite defenses, the safety position is one area that Smart and the coaching staff have been keeping a close eye on, particularly as they enter the 2025 season. With an influx of talent at nearly every position, Smart has been transparent about his concerns, especially when it comes to the safety room outside of highly regarded freshman KJ Bolden.

In recent interviews, Kirby Smart made it clear that the safety position is one that will require significant attention moving forward. While the addition of Bolden, a five-star recruit who is widely regarded as one of the top safety prospects in the country, has given Georgia a major boost, there are still notable gaps that need to be addressed. For Smart, the success of Georgia’s defense in the upcoming season will rely on more than just the talents of Bolden—it will depend on how the rest of the safety room develops and how well those players complement one another.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the current state of Georgia’s safety room outside of KJ Bolden, exploring the challenges the Bulldogs face, the players vying for playing time, and how Smart plans to navigate this crucial position group heading into the season.

The Current Safety Room: Talent, Depth, and Uncertainty

Georgia’s defense has been a cornerstone of the program’s success over the years, and the safety position has always been a key component of that defensive prowess. Traditionally, the Bulldogs have boasted some of the best safety play in the country, with elite players who can patrol the back end of the defense while also providing support against the run and in coverage. However, heading into 2025, Kirby Smart has expressed genuine concern over the lack of established depth and experience in the safety room outside of KJ Bolden.

While Bolden is expected to make an immediate impact—his athleticism, coverage skills, and ability to read offenses making him a potential game-changer for Georgia’s defense—Smart has been vocal about the fact that the team cannot afford to rely solely on a freshman to anchor the safety position. For Smart, this means that several other players in the safety room will need to step up and prove they can handle the pressure of being major contributors on a championship-caliber defense.

The Departures: Key Losses from the Safety Room

One of the main factors contributing to the uncertainty surrounding Georgia’s safety position is the departure of key contributors from last season. The Bulldogs lost several experienced players, including star safeties who had been cornerstones of the defense for multiple seasons. Players like Chris Smith, who were key parts of Georgia’s secondary, have moved on to the NFL, and while their departures have created an opening for younger players, it also left a void in terms of leadership and experience.

For Smart, the challenge now lies in replacing those key veterans while simultaneously developing younger, less experienced players who will need to step into significant roles. While Bolden’s presence is a welcome addition to the safety room, the lack of proven talent behind him remains a concern for Georgia’s coaching staff. This is a critical issue, as injuries, matchups, and rotations are inevitable throughout the course of the season, making depth a crucial factor for success.

The Players in the Safety Room: Potential and Competition

Despite the uncertainty, there is no shortage of potential in Georgia’s safety room. Smart and his staff have worked hard to recruit top-tier talent, and there are several players vying for playing time at the position. However, there is a clear divide between the established players and the inexperienced options who will need to rise to the occasion.

1. Malaki Starks (Junior)

Malaki Starks, a junior safety, is one of the more experienced players in the safety room and is expected to play a significant role in Georgia’s defense this season. Starks has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career but has yet to fully cement himself as a consistent performer at the level required for championship football. His versatility allows him to play in various roles, whether in deep coverage or closer to the line of scrimmage, and he is expected to be a leader in the secondary this season.

While Starks has the potential to be an elite safety, Kirby Smart has emphasized that he needs to take the next step in terms of consistency. “Malaki has all the tools you want in a safety—size, speed, and awareness—but he’s still in the process of becoming more consistent in his decision-making,” Smart said in a recent interview. “We need him to be a reliable presence back there, someone who can make the right reads and execute at a high level every game.”

2. David Daniel-Sisavahn (Sophomore)

David Daniel-Sisavahn is another player who will need to step up this season. As a sophomore, he still has a lot to prove but has shown potential during his time at Georgia. Daniel-Sisavahn’s ability to play both safety and cornerback gives him the flexibility to contribute in multiple roles, which could make him a valuable asset for Georgia’s defense. However, like Starks, he has yet to fully establish himself as a consistent playmaker in live-game situations.

Kirby Smart has praised Daniel-Sisavahn’s physicality and skill set but has also acknowledged the need for continued development. “David has the raw ability to be a standout player, but his understanding of our defensive schemes and ability to stay disciplined in coverage are areas that still need work,” Smart explained. “If he can develop into a more reliable piece for us, that will be huge.”

3. Javon Bullard (Junior)

Javon Bullard, another junior safety, has emerged as a potential starter in Georgia’s defensive backfield. Bullard has seen playing time in previous seasons and has gained valuable experience that could make him a key contributor. His physicality and ability to play with confidence in big moments have earned him praise from his coaches. Bullard is expected to battle for the starting spot opposite of KJ Bolden.

The challenge for Bullard, however, will be finding consistency. In limited opportunities, Bullard has shown flashes of greatness, but the question remains whether he can sustain that level of play throughout an entire season. “Javon has shown the ability to be a force when he’s on top of his game,” Smart said. “The key for him will be maintaining that high level of performance and improving his coverage skills.”

4. Freshman Safety Options (KJ Bolden and Beyond)

Outside of KJ Bolden, there are several incoming freshmen who could also compete for playing time in Georgia’s safety room. While it’s uncommon for freshmen to immediately step into starting roles, the level of talent that Georgia recruits means that even untested players can have an impact early on. Players like Joenel Aguero, a highly rated safety prospect, could see significant playing time depending on how the competition shakes out during spring practices and the preseason.

Smart has been cautious but optimistic about the contributions freshmen could make, and while he is not ready to rely heavily on them just yet, he has acknowledged that Bolden’s early impact has set a standard for other young players. “KJ has really impressed us so far with his maturity and his ability to make plays,” Smart said. “The other freshmen, including Joenel, are working hard, but they still have a lot to learn before they can step into bigger roles.”

Kirby Smart’s Expectations for the Safety Room

Kirby Smart has been candid in his assessment of the safety room, acknowledging the talent but also pointing out the significant work that lies ahead. While KJ Bolden is expected to play a central role in the defense, the Bulldogs need other players to rise to the occasion if they are to have success in the SEC and beyond.

One of Smart’s primary concerns has been the overall lack of experience, particularly with the depth behind Bolden. “We’ve got some young guys who are learning the system and adjusting to the speed of the game,” Smart noted. “The key will be to develop them quickly and make sure they are ready to step in when needed.”

Focus on Development and Leadership

Smart’s coaching philosophy has always revolved around developing players both mentally and physically, and he’s making it clear that this year’s safety room will be no exception. Leadership will be a major theme for the safety group, and Smart will look to older players like Starks and Bullard to set an example for the younger players coming up behind them.

As Smart continues to evaluate the safety room, the Bulldogs’ ability to produce a cohesive and talented secondary will likely determine their success on defense. If players like Starks and Bullard can meet expectations and stay healthy, Georgia’s defense could continue to be one of the most formidable in the country.