Alabama safety Caleb Downs plans to enter the transfer portal after an impressive freshman season, and 247Sports indicates that Georgia is the frontrunner to secure his talents. Downs, who was honored as SEC Freshman of the Year, played a pivotal role as one of the standout defensive backs in the conference for the Crimson Tide, contributing to their College Football Playoff run.
Despite the usual restrictions on player transfers, the retirement of coach Nick Saban has triggered a 30-day window allowing Alabama players to explore transfers. This potential move by Downs could be a significant setback for the program and new coach Kalen DeBoer.
A highly touted five-star prospect and the top safety in the Class of 2023 according to 247Sports, Downs lived up to the pre-season hype by starting in Alabama’s season opener. His outstanding performance throughout the season, amassing 107 tackles and two interceptions, earned him recognition as FWAA Freshman All-American and second-team All-SEC. Pro Football Focus awarded him the highest coverage grade (88.9) among all safeties in the conference, making him the first Alabama freshman in program history to lead the team in tackles. Additionally, Downs showcased his potential as a punt returner with an 85-yard return touchdown against Chattanooga on Nov. 18.
Why Georgia is considered likely destination
Georgia has secured Travaris Robinson, formerly with Alabama, as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Robinson, who coached the Crimson Tide’s cornerbacks for the past two seasons, brings his expertise to Georgia, and his existing relationship with Caleb Downs makes the Bulldogs a fitting choice for the talented safety.
Downs, who hails from Hoschton, Georgia, and played for Mill Creek High School, is in close proximity to the Georgia campus in Athens. Additionally, his previous consideration of the Bulldogs out of high school adds a personal connection. The departure of safety Javon Bullard, who declared for the NFL Draft, opens up a position that Downs could potentially fill.
In the event that negotiations between Downs and Georgia don’t materialize, there would be significant interest from other programs. As one of the premier safeties in college football, and with two seasons remaining before he becomes eligible for the NFL Draft, Downs is considered a top non-quarterback transfer prospect for the cycle. Ohio State is identified by 247Sports as a potential alternative destination if the move to Georgia doesn’t come to fruition for the standout defensive back.
Impact on Alabama
Alabama’s secondary is experiencing significant changes following the retirement of coach Nick Saban. High-profile members, including former five-star cornerback Dezz Ricks, are opting to transfer. Ricks recently announced his decision to join Texas A&M, while cornerbacks Trey Amos and Antonio Kite have also entered the transfer portal. This transition leaves Alabama’s 2024 secondary uncertain as new head coach Kalen DeBoer assembles his inaugural coaching staff.
Reports indicate that DeBoer is bringing in South Alabama coach Kane Wommack as Alabama’s defensive coordinator. Wommack previously collaborated with DeBoer at Indiana in 2019, where they achieved success. Wommack boasts a 22-16 record over three seasons with South Alabama and recently guided the program to consecutive bowl appearances for the first time in school history.
In addition to Wommack, Buffalo coach Maurice Linguist is reportedly joining the Crimson Tide’s defensive staff, likely focusing on working with the secondary. These hires add a noteworthy defensive dimension to DeBoer’s staff. However, it’s noteworthy that Linguist’s last SEC role was as cornerbacks coach at Texas A&M in 2019, while Wommack’s most recent SEC experience was as a graduate assistant at Ole Miss in 2013. As a result, neither coach is likely to have pre-existing relationships with the current Crimson Tide players from their high school recruiting process. The changes in coaching staff and player transfers mark a period of transition for Alabama’s football program.
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