Caleb Downs was one of the most sought-after players in the 2023 recruiting cycle, and people are starting to understand why after his performances in four games for the University of Alabama.
RELATED: Alabama freshman Caleb Downs projects as a breakout safety, per sports tech company
Downs, a five-star from Georgia, was excellent in spring practice, won a starting position at strong safety in preseason camp, and leads the Tide for total tackles. He shared Freshman of the Week honors from the Southeastern Conference and earned Player of the Week from Alabama’s coaching staff for his efforts against Middle Tennessee State. Downs had a team-high eight total tackles versus the Blue Raiders in a 56-7 victory, including a tackle for loss. Since then, he’s emerged as the team’s top tackler — totaling 27 stops. Downs leads the defense for solo tackles (15) and has a pass breakup and a forced fumble. He played very well against Mississippi, forcing an incompletion and not allowing any yards on 46 coverage snaps. Pro Football Focus, a site that analyzes college and professional football, highlighted Downs’ numbers against the Rebels. He finished the matchup with five tackles.
Alabama S Caleb Downs vs Ole Miss:
🐘 46 Coverage Snaps
🐘 Zero Yards Allowed
🐘 1 Forced Incompletion
🐘 83.9 PFF Grade pic.twitter.com/Qag6tYCAIL— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 25, 2023
The 6-foot, 203-pounder possesses the maturity that’s far beyond his freshman status.
RELATED: Caleb Downs will be Alabama’s defensive freshman impact player for 2023
Downs fits in nicely with the secondary and is starting to grow into a star. He now has to keep his composure among the cowbells at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. Alabama fans look forward to watching him have success against the Bulldogs.
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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.
