Alabama Signing Day Capsule: Five-Star Plus+ Safety Caleb Downs
After several weeks of suspense, Hoschton (Ga.) safety Caleb Downs has finally put pen to paper. Moments ago, the Five-Star Plus+ safety signed his Letter of Intent to play football at Alabama at the next level.
Alabama Crimson Tide Early Signing Period Recruiting Central
Of course, other schools tried their best for Downs down the home stretch.
Georgia got him on campus for their matchup with Tennessee on Nov. 5, followed by Downs’ visit to Ohio State three weeks later. Both programs saw Downs multiple times in person during the contact period in December.
In the end, however, Downs stuck through with the decision that he made on July 27. Downs is set to officially enroll at Alabama in January, joining fellow Atlanta area native Justice Haynes in Tuscaloosa next month.
Before doing so, Downs will arrive at Bama on Wednesday and is set to participate in bowl practice with the team.
Future Alabama Safety Caleb Downs‘ Signing Profile
Name: Caleb Downs
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 5-foot-11.5, 195 pounds
High School and hometown: Mill Creek High School in Hoschton (Ga.)
On3 Consensus Rankings: No. 6 overall/No. 1 safety/No. 1 in Georgia
Why Downs chose Alabama (Full Story HERE): “Their message to me from the beginning was how they are different from every other program. Others try to copy what they do, but nobody will be able to have the discipline and consistency that coach Saban brings to Alabama. It is an every day thing and an every year thing under coach Saban. They believe if the players can learn that, then they can be great and succeed at a high level.
“The track record Alabama has had under coach Saban was a big factor… Coach Saban is undeniably one of the best coaches in college football over the last 100 years.”
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Mill Creek head coach, Josh Lovelady, on Downs (Full Story HERE): “When you get five-stars, sometimes they are great athletes. What’s really special about Caleb is how much he is a student of the game. He’s the No. 1 safety in the nation, but I’ve put him at every position on offense except offensive line. He’s been quarterback, receiver, running back. One of those kids who knows our system.
“He’s unselfishness. He’ll come up and say, ‘Coach, fake it to me then go here,’ or ‘Run behind me and I’ll go block.’ If you had time to sit down here and talk about the game of football, he’s so intelligent. Coaches have told me he’s on a level of a junior or senior in major Division 1 schools.”
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power’s analysis of Downs (Full Story HERE): “Extremely polished and smooth. He’s a highly intelligent player. Plays with outstanding instincts. He recognizes plays very quickly. Just the instincts and film study are obviously there. I think he’s a guy who, at Alabama, would be a multi-year starter. Someone who controls your defense. Mans the secondary and leads the secondary. Makes sure everybody is in the right spot. He’s that kind of football intelligent player.”
Click HERE to watch Caleb Downs’ latest highlights on his Hudl profile!
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