The Baltimore Ravens are deep into training camp and have one preseason game under their belts after defeating the Indianapolis Colts 24-16. Throughout the offseason, one player has consistently stood out, and that is rookie safety Malaki Starks.
Starks has impressed so far in camp, and he’s drawn the attention of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh was asked at his press availability on Monday how Starks could contribute to the secondary by creating more turnovers through interceptions. Harbaugh gave a glowing review of Starks’ ball-hawking ability.
“Malaki [Starks] is a great example of it,” Harbaugh said. “He just has great ball skills. He has great range. All those guys back there, you saw one today with DeAndre [Hopkins]. He made a great play. So, I’m happy with those guys.”
Starks’ nose for the football has been on full display in training camp.
Playmaker
Starks, in his first training camp, has been among the standouts for the Ravens. The rookie first-round pick out of Georgia has been living up to the high expectations thrust upon him when he was selected.
On Monday in 11-on-11 drills in practice, Starks showed off his playmaking ability. Ravens team website writer Justin Robertson had the breakdown of Starks intercepting former two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“During a red-zone drill, Starks got his hands on a Lamar Jackson pass in the back of the end zone, leaping to intercept the throw intended for wide receiver Keith Kirkwood over the middle.”
The interception of Jackson wasn’t Starks’ first interception of training camp either, as he added another one earlier in camp, as Robertson described.
“He previously came down with an interception in the end zone during the first week of camp. The Georgia product also had an interception in 1-on-1 drills during Sunday’s practice while covering Jahmal Banks down the sideline.”
Starks has managed to impress many people in training camp, including the man who is going to line up next to him on Sundays.
Kyle Hamilton Connection
Malaki Starks will have the benefit of beginning his career playing next to an All-Pro in Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. Starks’ fast start to training camp has even impressed Hamilton, who as a rookie made the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie team. Clifton Brown and Ryan Mink wrote about Hamilton’s praise of Starks for the Ravens team website.
“He’s super-talented. I honestly think he’s miles ahead of where I was at that point,” Hamilton said. “Once it all clicks for him, he’s going to be one of the best in the league. He does amazing stuff without even trying and probably doesn’t even know that he’s doing it. I think he knows the playbook more than I did, he’s confident out there. He’s just so willing to learn.”
Starks knows that he has to be able to back up his impressive training camp on the field when the regular season starts, but for now, his immediate playmaking ability is a welcome sign for the Ravens.
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