Alabama’s defense has played well in Kevin Steele’s return to the Crimson Tide.
Steele has arguably the nation’s best second-half defensive unit and a true freshman has played a role in it. Caleb Downs, a former five-star, is having a phenomenal year as a strong safety. The native Georgian leads the team for total tackles (90) and is closing in on becoming the first safety and first freshman of the Nick Saban era to total at least 100 tackles in a season. He has two pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and a 85-yard punt return for a touchdown.
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Downs is in line for Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-American honors, but a former Alabama player paid him a very high compliment during Tuesday’s episode of “The Final Whistle” on The Bama Standard.
Terry Jones Jr., a former Crimson Tide tight end, played for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League. Jones compared Downs to the legendary Edward “Ed” Reed.
“I played with Ed Reed in Baltimore and Downs is Ed-like for sure,” Jones said. “He is so smart about knowing the game and what to do, but then he has the ball skills to back it up. That is a great comparison to say he is Ed Reed.”
Can Downs live up to the lofty compliment?
He is doing a great job of it so far. Reed was one of the greatest safeties to play in the pros. He was a Super Bowl Champion and a human ball magnet.
Reed was also very good on special teams, blocking punts and returning punts.
Downs recorded his first touchdown on special teams against Chattanooga. He has an opportunity to do something special again in the Iron Bowl.
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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.
