Nick Saban shares how freshman Caleb Downs is already starring for Alabama defense

Former five-star recruit Caleb Downs has stepped in and immediately been one of the best players on the Alabama defense.

Downs was ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the class of 2023, according to the On3 Industry rankings. He certainly looks like an elite player early on in his college career.

The starting strong safety currently leads Alabama with 47 tackles, which is 12 more than any other Crimson Tide player. He also has a team-high two interceptions — one of which came over the weekend at Texas A&M.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke on Monday about what has allowed Caleb Downs to get off to such a strong start in his college career.

“Caleb has played really well for us. He’s very mature. The guy really pays attention to detail and does a really good job in preparation,” Saban said. “He wants to know what he’s supposed to do, how he’s supposed to do it, why it’s important to do it that way.”

Downs came up with one of the biggest plays of the game for Alabama against the Aggies.

With Texas A&M leading 17-10, the Aggies had just gotten the ball back and were looking to push their lead to two scores early in the third quarter. However, two plays after Jalen Milroe threw an interception, Downs got the ball right back for Alabama, picking off Max Johnson.

Alabama went on to score on the drive and tie the game at 17-17.

“He’s got great football instincts and savvy, so he kind of understands what the other team’s trying to do, which I think is important, as well,” Saban said. “So he’s done a good job of that.”

Nick Saban praises Alabama LB Deontae Lawson: ‘He helps everybody else play better’

Another important player on the Alabama defense so far this season has been linebacker Deontae Lawson.

The redshirt sophomore is tied for fourth on the team with 31 tackles. He also has 3.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

Nick Saban recently praised Lawson’s play and shared why he is so important to the Crimson Tide’s defense.

“He’s played really, really well,” Saban said. “We really miss him when he’s not out there when he missed the [Mississippi State] game. His Leadership is great. I think he helps everybody else play better with his communication, signal calling.”

Caleb Downs and Deontae Lawson continue to make big plays for an Alabama defense that is getting better and better as the season goes along.