NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
Alabama safety Caleb Downs has entered the transfer portal following a standout freshman season with Georgia emerging as the “clear favorite” to land his services, according to 247Sports. Downs earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors while starring as one of the top defensive backs in the conference for a Crimson Tide team that reached the College Football Playoff.
“Obviously we’re not starting from square one of recruiting,” Caleb’s father Gary Downs told 247Sports. “We know so many of these coaches already. We’ve been a lot of places. There are certain parameters of things he’s looking for.”
Though it is outside of a designated window for players to enter the portal, the retirement of coach Nick Saban triggered a 30-day window for Alabama players to transfer. Downs would be a crushing loss for the program and new coach Kalen DeBoer.
Rated a five-star prospect and the top safety in the Class of 2023 by 247Sports, Downs started in the season opener for Alabama and delivered on the hype he generated as a high school prospect. He finished the season with 107 tackles and two interceptions, earning FWAA Freshman All-American and second-team All-SEC honors.
His coverage grade of 88.9 from Pro Football Focus registered as the best among all safeties in the conference, and he was the first Alabama freshman in program history to lead the team in tackles. Downs also flashed his promise as a punter returner with an 85-yard return touchdown against Chattanooga on Nov. 18.
Why Georgia is considered likely destination
Georgia just hired Travaris Robinson from Alabama to be co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach after he spent the last two seasons coaching the Crimson Tide’s cornerbacks. Robinson is a well-respected SEC coaching veteran, and…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/alabama-star-db-caleb-downs-enters-transfer-portal-with-georgia-favored-as-potential-landing-spot/
Author : David Cobb
Publish date : 2024-01-18 01:01:46
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
