Jim Knowles: Caleb Downs is a 'coach's dream'

Caleb Downs is expected to be one of the Big Ten’s premier defenders during his first season at Ohio State.

Transferring into the program from Alabama, the ball-hawking defensive back has impressed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles mightily during their short time working togehter.

“He’s a coach’s dream,” Knowles said after day two of Ohio State’s fall camp. “He understands everything, he picks everything up, he takes the meeting room to the field. He’s locked in during meetings. He takes great notes — he’s a pro. So I think aside from what he does on the field, making all the adjustments and knowing where to go, he really has a great effect on the guys in the meeting room too.”

On the field, the former five-star recruit had a breakout true freshman season for the Crimson Tide in 2023. 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.

For his efforts, Downs was named the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year, the SEC Freshman of the Year, and the SEC Newcomer of the Year. Downs also earned first team All-SEC and Freshman All-SEC honors and was named a first team All-American by Pro Football Focus.

He joins a defense filled with experienced college veterans and NFL prospects, including EDGE’s Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, and Tyleik Williams in the interior. Sonny Styles, Lathan Ransom and Denzel Burke will also be impactful alongisde Downs in the middle and secondary for Knowles’ squad this season.

Knowles also spoke on Ohio State’s recruitment of Downs out of the transfer portal. Being a former consensus five-star recruit along with his lone breakout season with the Crimson Tide, Downs had his pick of the litter with teams vying for his services in the portal earlier this offseason.

“When we went to talk to Caleb after he entered the portal, I like to say my interview with Caleb Downs was harder than my interview with coach Day,” Knowles said. “He was extremely intricate and detailed about the defense, and fortunately for us, I was able to have all the answers that he needed.”

Downs will make his Ohio State debut when the Buckeyes kick off the 2024 regular season on Aug. 31 against Akron. After a few tune-up games, he’ll get his first taste of Big Ten action against Michigan State in Week 4.