When Caleb Downs, then a five-star product and the nation’s top safety in 247Sports’ 2023 recruiting class, announced on July 27, 2022, where he would play college football, Ohio State’s cap sat directly in front of him. . The Hoschton, Georgia product glanced at the Georgia hat next to him before picking up the Alabama hat and placing it on his head.At the time, Downs expected to spend “the next three or four years” in Tuscaloosa, helping the Crimson Tide win SEC and national titles. Funny how things work.After just one season at Alabama, Downs followed several of his teammates entering the transfer window in January. 17 after Nick Saban retired a week earlier. He immediately became a top transfer prospect wanted by every program in the country.
As he had a year and a half earlier, Downs had a decision to make. Would he stay close to home or go where he feels he can make the biggest impact?.
Downs did not wear a hat or display it this time. He announced his commitment to Ohio State on Friday, once again turning down the in-state Bulldogs for another chance. It’s a recruiting win for the Buckeyes and another win for head coach Ryan Day and secondary coach Tim Walton in getting a player with SEC experience at a time when the defense is on the rise..
