Caleb Downs, a highly-decorated freshman safety at Alabama, has entered the transfer portal, according to a report from ESPN.
Downs was named All America second team after he finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference with 107 tackles, 74 solo, and two interceptions. He had a forced fumble, a recovered fumble and was a part of four turnovers. Alabama says he’s likely the first freshman to ever lead the program in tackles.
He returned four punts for 87 yards for a 21.8 yards per return average and returned one for a touchdown.
Downs will no doubt be one of, if not the top target of every other college football program in the transfer portal.
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Is Georgia the favorite to land Alabama football transfer Caleb Downs?
As a freshman, Downs made an immediate impact with those tackle numbers. It certainly could hurt Alabama because this season’s Crimson Tide defense wasn’t as strong as some in recent years and Downs was looked at as a building block for a stronger unit next season.
Downs will have two years of eligibility remaining when he transfers. When he signed with Alabama, he did so over Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.
While he could end up at one of those schools in the transfer, Georgia now appears to be the favorite to land Downs. Alabama defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson was just hired at Georgia to be co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
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Alabama has lost a few high-profile players on the defense since coach Nick Saban surprised everyone with his retirement announcement. Cornerback Dezz Ricks transferred to Texas A&M and cornerbacks Antonio Kite and Trey Amos have entered the portal. On the offensive side, receiver Isaiah Bond transferred to Texas A&M.
Downs has a pretty strong pedigree. His father Gary Downs is a former NFL player and his brother Josh is a wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.