Alabama fans want to see it continue, but they left Bryant-Denny Stadium pleased with how Kevin Steele is restoring a competitive, fearsome defense to Crimson Tide football.
Alabama allowed seven points to Middle Tennessee State in a 56-7 victory, and a five-star freshman defensive back shared Freshman of the Week honors from the Southeastern Conference. Caleb Downs, a native Georgian, was a superstar at Mill Creek High School — before deciding to come to the University of Alabama. He enrolled early for spring practice and impressed Nick Saban with his skill set and maturity. Downs turned in a successful preseason camp, earning the starting job at strong safety.
RELATED: Alabama DB Caleb Downs named SEC Freshman of the Week
He was all over the field and excelled under the lights. Downs led the Tide with eight total tackles, including six solo stops.
He recorded a tackle for loss and helped Alabama’s defense successfully get off the field on third down. Coach Saban highlighted Downs’ performance Monday to reporters. He was pleased with how the freshman handled himself on the field.
“I think Caleb played well,” Saban said. “He plays fast, he’s physical. I think it was a challenging game for a young player to play with the formations and adjustments we had to make, and I think he handled it well.”
Terrion Arnold, a third-year cornerback, credits Downs’ success to his preparation.
RELATED: Alabama freshman Caleb Downs projects as a breakout safety, per sports tech company
“I think Caleb played very, very well,” Arnold said. “I credited it to how he came in. He came in very poised, carries himself like an upperclassman, and I would say it was just another game for him.”
Downs was one of nine individuals recognized by Alabama’s coaching staff for Player of the Week honors.
He prepares for a primetime matchup against Texas this weekend.
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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.
