Georgia Bulldog Star Malaki Starks Named Jim Thorpe Award Finalist Again

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ATHENS - Georgia Bulldog safety Malaki Starks is one of three finalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award given to the nation’s top defensive back, according to an announcement from the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association Tuesday.

Starks, a native of Jefferson, Ga., joins Texas’ Jahdae Barron and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as the three finalists.  While former Bulldog All-American Deandre Baker won the 2018 Thorpe Award, Starks was also a finalist in 2023.

Starks is tied for the team lead with 55 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and has an interception.  Lining up at the Star position as well this season, he has started 39 consecutive games and has helped hold four opponents scoreless in the fourth quarter in 2024, including No. 1 Texas in Austin.  In addition, Starks has had to fill in at punt returner and has four returns for 39 yards (9.8 avg.).

No. 10 Georgia (9-2, 6-2 SEC) plays host to Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3 ACC) on Friday.  ABC will televise the regular season finale at 7:30 p.m.

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