Former Jefferson football teammates reunite on opposing sidelines at Aflac Kickoff Game

Georgia football 's Malaki Starks hadn't shared a field with Sammy Brown in three years.

Until Saturday.

Starks, a junior defensive back for the Bulldogs and former Jefferson High School five-star recruit, took the field with the top-ranked Bulldogs in the Aflac Kickoff Game, facing off with a newly minted freshman linebacker and fellow Jefferson five-star recruit Sammy Brown and Clemson.

"It was really good (to see him)," Starks said. "We come from the same place, we've got a real tight relationship, so just to see him furthering his career (is awesome). I'm excited to see the things he's going to do."

The pair only played together at Jefferson during the 2021-22 season under former coach Gene Cathcart, when Brown was a sophomore and Starks was a senior. Brown transferred from Commerce following his freshman season, where he earned all-state running back and offensive Player of the Year honors — his dad Mike was the head coach at the time.

Starks said he found Brown postgame and talked to him a little bit, just catching up and checking in. Brown didn't take the field for more than a singular kickoff with the Tigers , while Starks had two solo tackles and an interception for the Bulldogs.

"I texted him last week or so," Starks said. "Also told him I'd call him when I get out of the locker room (after the game)."

Brown was not available for comment at the time of publishing.

Georgia (1-0) hosts Tennessee Tech (0-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Former Jefferson football teammates reunite on opposing sidelines at Aflac Kickoff Game