Alabama football has its latest impactful freshman of the Nick Saban era.
Fans of the Crimson Tide knew it had something special in five-star, Caleb Downs. He possesses a maturity, leadership, and skill set as a safety that has Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Downs arrived early for spring practice and earned a starting position at strong safety. The 6-foot, 203-pounder helped the Tide capture a Southeastern Conference Championship with a victory over Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He is an elite tackler, leading the defense in solo stops (64) and total tackles (99).
RELATED: Alabama freshman safety named AP Newcomer of the Year
Downs is a tackle away from becoming the first freshman defensive player and first safety of the Saban era at Alabama to record at least 100 tackles in a single season. He also has 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions. Downs earned SEC Newcomer of the Year from the Associated Press and first-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. On Sunday, he picked up several awards in the Crimson Tide’s annual awards banquet, including Iron Man Award and Outstanding Defensive Performer. Downs also won SEC Freshman of the Year from the league’s coaches.
🏈 2023 #SECFB Freshman of the Year
Caleb Downs, @AlabamaFTBL
🔗 https://t.co/8KV5BTcpgL pic.twitter.com/eF81shLqWy
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 6, 2023
He’s been impressive all season, and now he looks to assist the Tide to a CFP National Championship.
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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.
