After Nick Saban retires, a star defensive back chooses the Buckeyes.
Security After an outstanding freshman season at Alabama, Caleb Downs, the No. 8 player in the Class of 2023 and No. 1 player in the transfer portal, has made the decision to transfer to Ohio State, according to his father, Gary Downs, who spoke with 247Sports. Following the hiring of former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer by the Crimson Tide to succeed Nick Saban, who announced his retirement last week, Caleb Downs made his way through the transfer portal.
Given that Downs is a Peach State native, it was assumed that Georgia would be the favourite to sign him. Nevertheless, the SEC Freshman of the Year chose to sign with the Buckeyes, who have been adding coaches and players to their squad this summer. As a crucial component of Alabama’s turnaround and eventual journey to the College Football Playoff, Downs had an outstanding rookie campaign.
Naturally, we’re not beginning the recruiting process again,” Downs’ father informed 247Sports as soon as he logged on. “We already know a great deal of these coaches. We have visited many locations. He is searching for products that fit specific criteria.
Despite the gateway having closed for the winter, Alabama players had 30 days to become eligible after Saban announced his departure. Several talented Tide players have made the decision to move up instead of continuing to play for DeBoer.
A five-star prospect according to 247Sports, Downs made his Alabama debut in the season’s first game and lived up to the excitement he created as a high school prospect. With 107 tackles and two interceptions at the end of the season, he was named to the All-SEC second team, SEC All-Freshman, and CBS Sports Freshman of the Year.
Downs was the first Alabama freshman in programme history to lead the team in tackles, and his coverage grade of 88.9 from Pro Football Focus ranked him as the best among all SEC safeties. On November 18, Downs demonstrated his potential as a punt returner by scoring an 85-yard return touchdown against Chattanooga.
Georgia was considered the front-runner to land the top overall transfer available, and with good cause, even after Downs stepped foot on the transfer portal earlier this week. The Buckeyes pulled off the upset in recruiting even though former Alabama cornerback coach Travaris Robinson recently accepted a position with the Bulldogs as their co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
Downs attended Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia, which is located less than an hour’s drive from the Georgia campus in Athens, which is another factor contributing to Georgia’s perception as the favourite. After high school, he contemplated Ohio State and the Bulldogs, but in the end, he decided to enrol at Alabama. Along with Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins, Alabama offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, Ohio tight end Will Kacmarek, and Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek, Downs is Ohio State’s fifth transfer of this cycle.
Downs was among the top players in the nation at his position as a true freshman. He was named to the All-American second team. Now, with several important players back for another season, Downs will lead an Ohio State secondary.
J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Tyleik Williams are among the defensive lineman that chose to run it back on defence. One of the only gaps on the Ohio State roster was the secondary, but now that the best returning player at the position is back, the spot is arguably filled. Conversely, Day recently appointed Bill O’Brien, a former Alabama offensive coordinator, to the same role at Ohio State.
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