
Malaki Starks has a history of practicing with Ravens' offensive coordinator Todd Monken
Team camaraderie, that's what the Baltimore Ravens are built upon. So much so that even rookie defensive back Malaki Starks and offensive coordinator Todd Monken had ties before joining the franchise.
In 2022, Monken was running his strategies as offensive coordinator for the Georgia Bulldogs and Starks was on the opposite side of the ball doing reps versus Monken's scheme. The tandem actually yielded a 2022 NCAA Championship as the Bulldogs defeated TCU 65-7 on Jan 9, 2022.
It definitely helps to know that Starks gets to practice versus an offense that was No. 1 in rush yards per game and eclipsed 4,000 passing yards in 2024. Starks recently called Monken 'the best offensive coordinator in the game' during a press conference at training camp last week.
Both Monken and Starks are passionate students of the game. Deferring praise, and offering thought, Starks has downplayed the accolades all-pro safety Kyle Hamilton has given him. Starks would rather walk in humility, and wait for an opportunity to prove himself on the field.
General Manager Eric DeCosta has continued to make the right decision, appointing ideal personnel to accommodate players and mesh with the team identity. Starks and Monken are staple pieces that will help mold the infrastructure of the franchise in the new era.

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