WATCH: 5-star S, Alabama commit Caleb Downs nearly records pick-six

Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek five-star safety Caleb Downs is one of the top defensive players in the 2023 cycle. The Alabama commit showcased why in Saturday’s matchup against Walton (Ga.) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

As Walton’s quarterback rolled out in the pocket, Downs intercepted his pass. The five-star nearly returned it to the house before being tackled short of the goal line.

5-star Alabama commit Caleb Downs with a pick and return down to the goal line https://t.co/qV39ew7OWV pic.twitter.com/9DMUUUIHsX

— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) August 20, 2022

It marked his latest big play of the contest. Before adding a short rushing score after his interception, Downs recorded a 46-yard rushing touchdown.

First on the board here for Game 3 is @MillCreekHawk with 6, as @caleb_downs2 runs it into the end zone ‼️

Mill Creek – 7 vs. Walton – 0, 9:07 left in the 1st Quarter #31stCorkyKell @scoreatlanta @Mansell247 pic.twitter.com/tKhfkn5aax

— CorkyKellClassic (@CorkyKell) August 20, 2022

Downs is the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 1 safety in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. On3 rates him even higher as the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2023 On300.

A 5-foot-11.5, 195 pound prospect, Downs is currently the highest-rated-prospect in the Crimson Tide’s 2023 recruiting class. Alabama’s group ranks No. 1 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.

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Downs has an On3 NIL Valuation of $304K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Caleb Downs On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Caleb Downs:

“Extremely well-rounded safety who has been one of the top prospects in Georgia regardless of class for much of his high school career. Shows a complete skill set as a cover safety. Has the range to cover hash to boundary with ease. Also is fluid and natural in man coverage. Outstanding ball production with 14 interceptions over the first three seasons of his high school career. Instinctual both in coverage and as a cover down defender. Identifies run plays and underneath passes very quickly. Also an active tackler.

“Shows of his athleticism on offense where he sees snaps at multiple skill positions, including quarterback. Has starred while playing against top competition in the Peach State. Comes from strong bloodlines with a father who was an NFL Draft pick and brother who is one of the better receivers in college football.”