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Caleb Downs will be Alabama’s defensive freshman impact player for 2023

Alabama freshman DB Caleb Downs (#2) going through drills in spring practice.
Photo comes via Kent Gidley of Alabama Athletics

Alabama’s defense could be back to championship form under Nick Saban for the first time since 2017.

The return of Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator is huge, but the Crimson Tide may have a member of its recent signing class create a significant impact as a true freshman. A freshman has played a marquee role in Alabama’s six national championship teams in the Saban era since 2009. Malachi Moore (defensive back) and Will Anderson Jr. (outside linebacker) were dynamic as newcomers for the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff National Championship team in 2020. Minkah Fitzpatrick, a former All-American safety, posted two pick-sixes and a blocked punt for a touchdown in Alabama’s 2015 national championship season.

RELATED: Justice Haynes will be Alabama’s offensive freshman impact player for 2023

Caleb Downs, a native Georgian, has an opportunity to start in the secondary as a freshman. 

He was a household name at Mill Creek High School, dominating in football, basketball, and baseball. The 6-foot, 203-pounder graded as the best overall player that Justin Smith, TDA’s Director of Scouting and Recruiting, saw in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

Downs was must-see action in his junior season.

He scored touchdowns in five different ways, including four rushing scores, two receiving touchdowns, two interception return touchdowns, one kickoff return touchdown, and a touchdown pass. His athleticism, football intelligence, range, and playmaking abilities allowed him to be a running back, receiver, defensive back, quarterback, ad return specialist in high school. As a senior, he recorded 66 tackles, a sack, five interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Downs also rushed for 334 yards and had 370 passing yards. His career finished with 200 tackles and 19 interceptions on defense. He has a nose for football, but being a multi-sport athlete allows Downs to use all of his skills. Alabama moves Jordan Battle, DeMarcco Hellams, and Brian Branch to the National Football League. Downs has an opportunity to earn a starting job at safety (free or strong) or as a nickel (star) cornerback. 

He earned one diamond from TDA’s independent recruiting rankings, meaning he’s an “immediate contributor and game changer.”

Downs looks the part in spring practice. 

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

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Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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