“The ultimate competitor”—that’s how Georgia Football describes the 6’1” safety. Malaki Starks is one of the top talents in college football. He was named the 12th best recruit in 2022 by ESPN. His stats say it all—in 2024, he played 400 snaps at free safety, 215 snaps roaming the box, and 271 snaps at nickel corner. That’s the reason why this man is known as perhaps the draft’s best safety.

But did you know that Malaki Starks once bet on himself? A bet to succeed in his future? After the athlete was chosen for the Combine, the 21-year-old revealed in his Instagram post – “On March 25, 2021, a kid with a big dream from a small town decided to bet on himself and become a Georgia Bulldog. It has been one for the books for sure.” Now that he has reached this stage, the player is thanking everyone who supported him—his coach, staff, team, family, and last but not least, God!

What is Malaki Starks’ religious faith?

Malaki Starks’s family of four (mom, dad, sister, and him) found comfort in the kindness of their friends and family during their struggles. Sometimes they slept in hotels. Sometimes, they slept in the aunt’s living room, while sometimes they got a space on the uncle’s couch. All through the time his parents worked hard to get things better, their faith in God was never rattled.

Yes! Malaki Starks is a born Christian, who often visits Church to show his faith and love for God. Even during the homelessness period, his commitment to spiritual roots never shifted. Special thanks to his mother too, who continued to instill faith in God in her children. According to her, God gives everyone a gift, whatever it may be. Hence, while speaking about it once in an interview, the athlete said, “My mom always told me that God gave me a gift, and it would be a shame and a sin not to use it and not to give back.”

That is the reason Malaki Starks has been into philanthropy for a long time. He has worked at the Wilderness Works Football Camp, hosting a Next Gen Tour. In addition to that, the player has also participated in a $2,500 Academy shopping spree for youth athletes. Amazing, isn’t it? He is indeed using his fame and platform for the needy just like his mother wanted from him.

And when Malaki Starks was invited to the NFL Combine, he wasted no time in thanking God first. He expressed, “First I want to thank God for blessing me with an amazing opportunity to meet so many amazing people and family along the way.” No doubt, Starks is true to his roots and culture!

What is Malaki Starks’ ethnicity?

Born on November 13, 2003, at Jefferson, Malaki Starks is the child of Larry Starks and Martisha (Tisha) Starks. The athlete was raised in the heart of Georgia and is of African-American ethnicity.

On February 27, Malaki Starks, along with his college mates – Jayden Limar and Kam Davis – joined together for a cause. They honored and appreciated the legacy of the people during Black History month, thanking each individual who stepped up in support of the community.

Malaki Starks is now expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. We can’t wait to find out where his faith takes Starks next!