Latest update:Caleb Downs’ maturation was the catalyst for his breakout freshman year at Alabama

31 December 2023 08sportsnews.com

Travaris Robinson recognized the foundation of Caleb Downs’ star-making 2023 season a year ago. During the recruitment process. Alabama’s secondary coach realized quickly Downs didn’t communicate like other high schoolers.

Days before his senior state championship game with Mill Creek (Ga.) High, Downs texted Robinson with a question. Not about life in Tuscaloosa or the philosophy of the program, instead, Downs wanted to know how Alabama handled a flanked tight end while in a Cover 7 defense

Caleb is he’s such a conscientious guy,” Robinson told AL.com during a Rose Bowl media session. “His technique, his eye control, how he watches film, what to do, how much can he learn. He loves to learn. That’s the reason why he’s had so much success.

Not just necessarily his ability, I saw the other things. Caleb is a guy who loves football man. He works at it. … It’s paying dividends.

After headlining the 2022 recruiting class, multiple coaches and players realized how deliberate Downs was and how he carried himself. Every morning, Downs said, he wakes up and reads from his Bible and Devotional, then prays. He reviews his goals for the day, stretches, and spends a stint in the hot and cold tubs before trying to “go out and have the best day he can.

Both Downs and Robinson agreed they’re not surprised with the accolades Downs has amassed: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award winner; All-SEC first-team; a UA leading 99 tackles; two interceptions; a punt returned for a touchdown. As Robinson learned before Downs arrived in Tuscaloosa and the country has realized this fall through No. 4 Alabama’s season, that’s just who Downs is.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply