In late-July, I made a familiar trek to Columbus to check out a player who’s expected to take college football by storm this fall and serve as the microcosm of the era we’re in: Sophomore safety Caleb Downs. Ohio State fans are certainly well-versed in all things Downs, who was the No. 1 transfer this offseason, but my goal was to tell an overarching story for a wider audience at CBSSports.com: Spiritual journey guides Caleb Downs to Ohio State as centerpiece of Buckeyes’ offseason haul.
In my reporting, I was given access to Downs, coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. I also spoke to Caleb’s father, Gary, and former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith for more context on Ohio State’s portal and NIL push.
Here are five things I learned.
What I thought of Caleb Downs
Simple: A buttoned-down, already-accomplished veteran (only a sophomore) who sees not only the field but the future in front of him. He has the respect of the staff and his teammates. He’s in the perfect place for his future, considering the coach of his former team (Nick Saban) retired. Ohio State has arguably the best defense in the country. I thought it was unique that his favorite player is Ronnie Lott, a legend who retired almost 30 years ago. How many 19-year-olds know who Ronnie Lott is? If Ohio State chooses, Downs could become a low-key Travis Hunter. He probably won’t, although Downs will be used as a running back sporadically. But imagine the Heisman juice this kid would get if he played 100 snaps per game. In this age of all-me, NIL money-grubbing it was nice to meet a player who has it all together. I’m not saying Downs didn’t get a nice NIL bump, that didn’t seem to be the motivating factor. At least I haven’t seen his Bentley yet.
Why Caleb Downs transferred
Nick Saban retired. It’s as simple as that. Ohio State finished a close second when Downs came out of high school as a top-10 recruit. So close, the Buckeyes were, that Downs cried when telling OSU coach Ryan Day of his decision. So close that Downs’ father Gary said the “voice of God” was the difference in guiding his son to Bama. The uncertainty after the GOAT retired was too much even after a freshman All-American season at Bama. Also, Alabama cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson departed (for Georgia). The player and coach were close. The family was already close to OSU secondary coach Tim Walton.
What makes Caleb Downs special
Vision, speed, toughness. Downs led Alabama in tackles (107) as a freshman. That was the most by an Alabama freshman since at least 1970. OSU DC Jim Knowles said Downs “takes the meeting room to the field.” OSU OC Chip Kelly relayed this nugget: “You’ll talk to him after practice and he’ll say, ‘You gave us this formation. That was new. That was hard.’ I’m always trying to get feedback from him.”
Caleb Downs’ offensive potential?
Unlimited, if Day really wanted to unleash him. Downs did everything in high school – rushing, receiving, kick returns, defense. As it stands Downs has worked out with the offense and a package has been put in with him as a running back. “Sometimes you can see a kid who has a ton of athletic ability but is he going to be able to handle playing defense, playing special teams, coming over and having a package on offense,” Kelly said. “Caleb could in a second.” The guess here is that Downs will be inserted for a few plays each game as, if nothing else, a decoy. His ability as a punt returner will also make him one of the best in the country. Last year he returned only four punts but scored on one of them while averaging 21.5 yards.
Environment a big credit to family’s success
Downs’ toughness was instilled by his father, a former seven-year NFL veteran at running back. Gary Downs once pit his 9-year-old son Josh against then-6-year-old Caleb against each other — in full pads inside the family home.
“That was my first true memory of football. Josh was bigger than me, for sure,” Caleb said. “I was definitely bullied.”
He was kidding. The Downs family is in the habit of producing excellence. A sister played soccer at Kennesaw State and is now in medical school at Wake Forest. Josh Downs, a former North Carolina receiver, is beginning his second season with the Indianapolis Colts.
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