OU defensive end Ethan Downs earning honors on & off the field

It’s not a surprise to see OU defensive end Ethan Downs named as one of the five captains this week for the Sooners.

Ever since he’s arrived in Norman, he’s been a perfect example. Downs is the type of character guys head coach Brent Venables wants in his program.

Downs will be joined by tight end Austin Stogner, defensive end Trace Ford, cornerback Gentry Williams and offensive tackle Tyler Guyton. The Sooners head to Tulsa at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

Downs was also recognized Tuesday morning, being selected to the 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. He was the only selection from the Big 12 Conference.

Downs is part of the prestigious group of 22 players selected for their extraordinary commitment to making a lasting impact off the field. He is one of 11 FBS student-athletes to earn Good Works Team recognition for his contributions.

He got the special shoutout from his position coach, Miguel Chavis, as well.

https://x.com/MiguelChavis65/status/1701591253752910224?s=20

Last spring, Downs launched an ambitious effort to help OU students, faculty and staff in need by encouraging donations of food, clothing, books, funds and sanitary products to the OU Food Pantry. The G.I.V.E. Mission (Greatness in Various Efforts), established as a competition between other athletics teams and campus Greek organizations, became the largest food drive in the history of the pantry, resulting in more than 4,000 pounds of donations from more than 30 organizations.

Downs donated time each of the last two years to participate in service trips to South Africa and Brazil in 2023 and Miami Gardens, Fla., in 2022. Upon returning from South Africa in April, Downs and some of his teammates collectively decided to create a direct funding website designed to send money to organizations in need around the world. On the Miami trip, he and teammates helped with an elementary school beautification project. They mentored students and encouraged them to attain academic excellence. The school’s principal cited him specifically for his uncommon leadership.

Downs traveled to Brazil during 2023 spring break for a work study course/service trip. He and other members of the football, volleyball teams focused efforts on supporting, constructing a school in a favela (shantytown).

“I’d like to open up just by congratulating Ethan Downs on being named to the AllState AFCA Good Works team for his tremendous community service,” Venables said to begin his weekly press conference. “He’s the only representative from the Big 12 Conference. And one of 11 players in the country that received this honor. So great job, Ethan. Wonderful honor.” 

As part of the Cavett Kids Foundation, Downs has served as a counselor in week-long camps and short events held for children and youth battling life-threatening illnesses. He also participated in “Art With a Heart OKC” in February 2022 and 2023. It’s a philanthropic event benefiting the Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Association, Cavett Kids Foundation and the K Club). Downs has traveled the state as part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has spoken more than a dozen times to students at elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges. His goal? Aiming to emotionally and spiritually inspire Christian athletes. Downs held multiple autograph sessions in which he donated at least $875 of earnings to his hometown’s Connections Food and Resource Center (in Weatherford, Okla.). He also spoke at a D.A.R.E. graduation for an elementary school in his hometown in March 2022.

Downs started all 13 games last season and has done the same for the first two in 2023. He has five tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack so far. He was credited with three tackles in the win against SMU.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association. It recognizes extra efforts by players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997. It continues to honor players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate became the presenting sponsor starting with the 2008 season.