The reigning SEC champions scored big with their 2023 recruiting. Caleb Downs, the top safety prospect, announced his pledge to the Crimson Tide. He chose Alabama over Georgia, Ohio State, North Carolina, and Notre Dame.
Downs took an unofficial trip to Tuscaloosa back in April. He returned to Bama’s campus for an official visit two months later. Now, he joins a legendary SEC football program.
Charles Kelly was the primary recruiter for Downs. Cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson assisted with bringing in the four-star athlete. Kelly has been on Bama’s coaching staff since 2019 as the safeties coach and associate defensive coordinator.
A Peek at Caleb Downs
Caleb Downs’ family has a significant football background. His father, Gary Downs, spent six years in the NFL as a running back. He currently coaches at East Tennessee State University. Dre Bly, Downs’ uncle, is a two-time Pro Bowl corner and won Super Bowl XXXIV. His brother Josh is a First-Team All-ACC receiver at North Carolina after tallying 101 receptions for 1,335 yards.
The 6-foot, 185-pound defensive back attends Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, GA. Downs played both sides of the ball his junior year and scored a touchdown in five different ways. The safety recorded 77 total tackles, five interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. Downs earned First-Team All-American and Region 8A Defensive Player of the Year honors. Bama’s newest commit also plays basketball and baseball for Mill Creek.
https://twitter.com/caleb_downs2/status/1550195191331622913?s=20&t=4luQ6KC-65l79t71MchJyw
In Conclusion
If Downs signs, he will become the first top-ranked prospect in Georgia to join Saban’s program. The safety is Alabama’s top defensive recruit.
The Crimson Tide added their 15th pledge, headlined by quarterback Eli Holstein (No. 13 on ESPN). After struggling early to bring in big names, Bama caught fire in the 2023 recruiting cycle as they continue to recruit marquee prospects.
Downs is surrounded by Jahlil Hurley and Tony Mitchell as notable top defensive back commits rolling with the Tide. Alabama jumped to fifth on the 247Sports national recruiting list.