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Alabama freshman safety earns NIL opportunity for excellence this season

Photo comes via SEC Media Portal

A true freshman for Alabama football locks in a NIL opportunity for his excellence this season.

Caleb Downs, a five-star safety, has been a revelation for the Crimson Tide in its defensive secondary.

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

He leads the team for total tackles (83) and is 17 tackles from becoming the first defensive back of the Nick Saban era at Alabama to record 100 tackles in a single season. The native Georgian is also responsible for a pass breakup, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions. He has assisted Alabama in shutting down some of the best offenses in college football while securing an SEC Western Division crown. Downs will pace the Tide against Georgia for an SEC Championship, but he has Chattanooga and Auburn left on the regular season schedule. Downs’ excellence has his name, image, and likeness used for an athletic clothing brand.

NXTRND has welcomed Downs to show off its gear. Next Trend offers mouthpieces, arm sleeves, leg sleeves, shoulder pads, and other accessories to have one prepared to dominate on the field. Downs has dominated all season in not looking like an average freshman. He is in the running for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year honor from the Football Writers Association.

He’s been impressive since spring practice, and Downs is only going to get better.

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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.

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 15 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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