Paul Finebaum considers what to make of Georgia’s offseason after missing on Caleb Downs

On Jan. 19, former Alabama safety Caleb Downs committed to Ohio State. Prior to his commitment, Downs was considered a lock for Georgia. During an appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Paul Finebaum assessed what the miss means for Georgia.

“Caleb downs going to Ohio State over Georgia was a major blow,” Finebaum said. “Since the portal opened and people started wondering, I think all of us would put our money on Caleb Downs going to Georgia and when it didn’t happen, it was it was a shock to the system.”

The loss is certainly a shock to Georgia’s depth next season. The former five-star prospect was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, the SEC Freshman of the Year, and the SEC Newcomer of the Year this season. Downs also earned first-team All-SEC honors.

Downs became the first Alabama freshman to lead the team in tackles in program history with 107, also adding 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble to his stat line.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart raved about the first-year product ahead of the Bulldogs’ matchup against Alabama in the SEC Championship.

“He don’t look like a freshman at all,” Smart said. “He looks like a guy that’s been playing for three years. He’s instinctive. He’s fast. He’s fearless. He’s everything that he was in high school.

“I’ve seen him play in about 100 7-on-7 games at our stadium and at our facility when his high school team came over here all the time. He’s everything that we thought he was. Punt returner. Just a football player that is instinctive, great tackler. Just what you draw up when you want a defensive back.”

Georgia looks to continue to build roster without Caleb Downs

Downs isn’t the only former Alabama player Ohio State reeled in through the portal. The Buckeyes also recruited former five-star quarterback Julian Sayin. Ohio State’s NIL incentives reportedly played a significant role in its success in the transfer portal.

Finebaum doesn’t believe Georgia should accept being outbid as a valid excuse for losing Downs to OSU.

“I’m surprised by that,” Finebaum said. “I heard from a Georgia friend the other day, saying, ‘Can you believe what Ohio State offered this guy?’ Well, I really don’t care about that. I mean, you’re Georgia. Don’t make excuses.

“Plenty of people have wondered how you’ve gotten players, so let’s not get caught up in the minutia… But, they have a great roster. I think they have the best program in the SEC right now, but it could have been a lot better.”

One miss doesn’t define Georgia’s offseason. Smart and Co. have added six players in the transfer portal, including standouts such as running back Trevor Etienne and defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod.