Jim Knowles on safety Caleb Downs: ‘He sees the play before it happens’

Caleb Downs was one of, if not the, most coveted player to enter the transfer portal following his breakout true freshman season at Alabama. Since joining Ohio State, the sophomore defensive back has already played a major role, including in the Buckeyes’ signature win of the season, a 20-13 victory over Penn State last weekend.

Downs is regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the country known for his supreme athleticism. But when defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was asked about what Downs does best, his answer was a little bit surprising.

“He sees the play before it happens,” Knowles said. “I think he’s got incredible talent, but then he’s got the vision. And all the best defense players I’ve been around, they see it before it happens based on the formation, then the film study, and it just gives him another leg up.”

Last season, Downs became the first freshman in Alabama history to lead the team in tackles, also contributing in the return game and being discussed as a potential weapon on offense for the Buckeyes by head coach Ryan Day. And even though his stats don’t leap of the page like they did last season for the Crimson Tide, his impact for the Ohio State defense is immeasurable.

Downs is Ohio State’s fourth-leading tackler from his safety position with 34 tackles this season along with 3.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and half a sack. Stats aside, Downs has served as the glue on the back end of the Buckeyes’ defense that communicates, keeps things together, and erases any mistakes that happens in front of or outside of him.

Last Saturday, Downs was tasked with being the primary coverage man on one of the best tight ends in the country. Penn State’s Tyler Warren was limited to just four catches for 47 yards in the passing game in a matchup between two players who will be playing on Sundays in the future.

Downs will look to continue staying a step ahead and help lead the Buckeyes to a strong finish to the regular season and a deep run in the playoffs. As the Buckeyes host Purdue this Saturday in the first of their four final games of the regular season.