2022 Class Breakdown: North Georgia Defensive Backs

Just like the tight end position, the state of Georgia is absolutely loaded with impressive, D1 defensive backs in the 2022 class. Some of the nation’s best hail from the state of Georgia, and major college programs from across the country are looking to the peach state to find quality defensive backs for their class. Whether it’s a safety, or cornerback, and someone who can play both, the state is loaded with playmaking defenders in the secondary. The North Georgia area in particular is home to some of the state’s best. Here are the best DB prospects to know about in North Georgia for the 2021 season. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33871" first="Malaki" last="Starks"] - Jefferson</strong> One of the top overall prospects in the entire country, the future Georgia Bulldog is one of the best pure athletes in the state. Ranked as the No.2 overall player in the state, Starks is an incredible athlete who could play either safety or wide receiver at the next level. He’ll likely end up at safety in Athens due to his size, speed, natural instincts, and the ability to cover and locate the ball in the air. At 6-foot-2 200-pounds, Starks can so just about anything you ask of him on the field. He led Jefferson all the way to the state championship game last year as he dominated his opponents week after week as a running back. Starks led the Dragons on offense with his 1,537 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Even at 200+ pounds, Starks was always one of the fastest and most explosive players on the field. Starks is an intimidating defender who should make lots of plays from the safety position. He’s an excellent run defender, but his ability to snatch the ball out of the air make him an excellent weapon in the secondary. Look for him to lead the Dragons to another state championship run this fall. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="33860" first="Marquis" last="Groves-Killebrew"] - North Cobb</strong> He may be at a different school for his senior year, but the talent remains the same. One of the top defensive backs in the entire state, Groves-Killebrew has been making a large impact in the secondary since his freshman year. At 6-foot-0 108-pounds, the new North Cobb Warrior could see playing time on both sides of the field as a senior this fall. He’s got length, quickness, and covers a lot of ground down the field. He shows good instincts as a defender, but he’s also dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s got good speed, vision, and just finds a way to make big plays no matter where he’s lined up. Groves-Killebrew is currently committed to Georgia and ranked as the No.19 overall prospect in the state. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="95463" first="Emory" last="Floyd"] - Hillgrove</strong> One of the fastest prospects in the state, Floyd is a big-time safety prospect with excellent straight-line speed. The track star, who also has great length for a cornerback, has electric speed and the ability to run with just about any receiver in the country. The 6-foot-2 170-pound defensive back claims a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, a time that should impress NFL scouts one day. In July of 2020, Floyd ran a blazing 21.18 in the 200-meter dash and a 10.51 in the 100-meter dash. He can go sideline to sideline and knows how to run down backs and receivers with ease. Floyd committed to South Carolina this summer, choosing the Gamecocks over Florida, Auburn, among others.