Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes, S - News, Stats, Bio

Big Ten Standings

Team	Conf	Overall
IND	9-0	16-0
OHIOST	9-0	12-2
OREG	8-1	13-2
USC	7-2	9-4
MICH	7-2	9-4
IOWA	6-3	9-4
WASH	5-4	9-4
ILL	5-4	9-4
MINN	5-4	8-5
NEB	4-5	7-6
NWEST	4-5	7-6
PSU	3-6	7-6
UCLA	3-6	3-9
RUT	2-7	5-7
WISC	2-7	4-8
MICHST	1-8	4-8
MD	1-8	4-8
PURDUE	0-9	2-10

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Summary

Caleb Downs is a three-year starter at Alabama and Ohio State who has thrived at a high level in multiple systems. Downs is a leader and alpha who excels in both phases and is rarely out of position. He shows excellent range and change of direction, along with the ability to match up in coverage against speedy receivers and tight ends. Downs also returned punts at both Alabama and Ohio State, displaying strong spatial awareness and the explosiveness to score -- a rare trait for a safety. He’s a high-IQ player who should make an immediate impact as a rookie.

About

Career: Sixth DB to be named Unanimous All-American twice (Johnnie Johnson, Kenny Easley, Deion Sanders, Tripp Welborne, Eric Berry)
2023-25: Only DB with 250+ tackles, 15+ TFL and 5+ INT over past three FBS seasons

Strengths

Checks every intangible box: leadership, intelligence, production, championship pedigree and no off-field concerns.
Fluid, athletic defender who backpedals with ease, pattern-matches in coverage and plays physically in the box; outstanding versatility.
Excellent instincts on the back end, understanding route combinations and offensive tendencies while closing space quickly with strong technique.

Weaknesses

Will occasionally whiff on tackles when going for a big hit; has missed low on blitzes and in space.
Bigger tight ends can fit him up in the run game near the line of scrimmage; lacks ideal size and length to consistently shed those blocks.
Rarely tested in coverage (78 receptions allowed over three seasons) but has just six career interceptions.