JEFFERSON — Jefferson coach Gene Cathcart says he's the "gym rat of football."
Malaki Starks, the nation's No. 16-ranked athlete according to 247sports.com rankings, proved why he's such a commodity on the national recruiting sites. He's rated as a five-star and has 14 Power 5 offers, including Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida State.
He's rushed for more than 1,450 yards and 24 touchdowns. He leads the team on both sides of the ball. He leads the team, period.
"He's every bit as advertised plus more," Cathcart said. "He's constantly learning. You can't help but pull for him."
The junior do-it-all athlete led the Dragons with 320 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He also tossed another score to Spencer Neese and hauled in the game-sealing interception to beat Benedictine in Savannah last Friday. The win pushed the Dragons to the Class 4A state title game on Dec. 29.
"It felt good to help my team," Starks said. The line did a great job. I feel like we have the best wings and wideouts in the state. They worked their butts off to block, and I couldn't do it without them."
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