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Kirby Smart discusses Malaki Starks’ ‘elite’ INT vs. Clemson, compares ball skills to Georgia legend
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Kirby Smart had a shoutout for Malaki Starks following Georgia’s 34-3 over Clemson on Saturday in Atlanta.
With the Bulldogs up 27-3 with just under 9-and-a-half minutes remaining, Starks delivered an unbelievable lunging interception to give the ball back to his team. Five plays later, the Dawgs were up 34-3.
Malaki Starks, my goodness
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 31, 2024
It impressed Smart, who told ESPN’s Molly McGrath after the game that he doubted Starks could even get there — while adding that it brought to mind the abilities of a legendary Georgia defensive back: Champ Bailey.
“That play he made was elite. I didn’t think he could get there, and he found a way to contort his body and go up and get a ball. Unbelievable ball skills,” Smart said. “Reminds me of Champ, when Champ played, and just a great person.”
It was Starks’ sixth career interception. The junior has already staked his claim as one of the best cornerbacks in college football, being named a consensus All-American and gathering first-team All-SEC honors in 2023.
With plays like the one he made on Saturday, he’ll add even more accolades to what’s already been a stellar career with the Bulldogs.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
