Caleb Downs
 Downs with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2024 | |
| Ohio State Buckeyes – No. 2 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Safety |
| Class | Sophomore |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | Hoschton, Georgia, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College |
|
| High school | Mill Creek (Hoschton) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Caleb Downs is an American football safety for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He previously played for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he was named the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year.
Early life
Downs attended Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia.[1] Downs was the named the All-American Bowl Player of the Year as a senior.[2] He was ranked as one of the top players in the 2023 college football recruiting class and considered the nation's No. 1 safety prospect.[3] He was ranked No. 9 nationally by Rivals.com,[4] No. 11 by ESPN[5] and No. 8 by 247Sports.[6] In July 2023, he was named Defensive Football Player of the Year by USA Today.[7]
College career
Downs committed to Alabama on July 27, 2022.[8] He chose Alabama over Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.[9] In his debut, he led the team in tackles with eight.[10] At the conclusion of his freshman season Downs was named the SEC Freshman of the Year.[11][12] Following the retirement of Nick Saban, he transferred to Ohio State.[13] In Ohio State's 38–15 win over No. 5 Indiana, Downs returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown.[14]
Personal life
Downs' father, Gary, played college football for NC State and is now an assistant coach. His uncle, Dré Bly, played for the North Carolina Tar Heels and 11 years in the NFL. His brother Josh also played with the Tar Heels, and is now with the Indianapolis Colts of the NFL.
References
- ^ Austin, Brooks (July 27, 2022). "Caleb Downs Commits to Alabama Football". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Alabama 5-Star DB signee Caleb Downs named All-American Bowl National Player of the Year". Touchdown Alabama Magazine. January 7, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Justin (December 21, 2022). "No. 1 safety Caleb Downs signs with Alabama football". Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Caleb Downs, 2023 Safety, Alabama". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Caleb Downs - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles". ESPN. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Caleb Downs, Alabama, Safety". 247sports.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "2023 USA TODAY High School Sports Awards". USA Today Sports. July 30, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Fawcett, Hayes (July 27, 2022). "5-star safety Caleb Downs commits to Alabama". On3.com. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Caleb Downs". Alabama Crimson Tide.
- ^ Stahl, Matt (September 4, 2023). "Caleb Downs impresses in Alabama football debut. Can he keep it up against Texas?". AL.com.
- ^ Nakos, Pete (January 17, 2024). "Alabama safety, SEC Freshman of the Year Caleb Downs makes decision on NCAA Transfer Portal". On3. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "2023 SEC All-Freshman Football Team Announced". www.secsports.com. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "Source: Ex-Tide star safety Downs picks Ohio St". ESPN.com. January 20, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Curtright, Austin (November 23, 2024). "Watch: Caleb Downs returns punt 79 yards for OSU touchdown to open second half vs Indiana". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved December 13, 2024.