Expectations are sky high for Alabama freshman defensive back Caleb Downs. Downs, who came to Tuscaloosa as a top-10 player nationally, the #1 safety in the nation, and the #1 player in the state of Georgia has been talked about all spring long and is expected to play a huge role in Alabama’s secondary early on.
His teammate and fellow expected starter Terrion Arnold offered high praise for the young freshman in his media availability this afternoon:
Terrion Arnold on freshman Caleb Downs, "He's a playmaker."
Full interviewhttps://t.co/o8qw0v5rMy pic.twitter.com/9Nw83R86Lr
— Kyle Henderson (@BamaYoutube) August 10, 2023
Nick Saban is no stranger to playing true freshmen if they are the best option at the position, with the best example in this case probably being Minkah Fitzpatrick. Downs already has a leg up on Fitzpatrick as well, as Fitzpatrick was a summer arrival in 2015 before carving out a spot at the star position during his freshman year.
Downs has been with the team since the bowl practices leading up to the Sugar Bowl against Kansas State, and the reviews on him have been nothing but positive since. Nick Saban has spoken glowingly of Downs as well, speaking on his maturity and advanced level of understanding of the game.
At this point, it seems inevitable that Downs will break onto the national scene this fall. Keep an eye out for the freshman when the Crimson Tide take the field against Middle Tennessee State on September 2nd.
