Source: Ex-Tide star security Downs chooses Ohio St

• Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff WriterJan 19, 2024, 08:54 PM ET

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  • ESPN personnel author
  • Signed up with ESPN in 2011
  • Graduated from Central Michigan

Former Alabama freshman safety Caleb Downs is moving to Ohio State, a source informed ESPN on Friday night.Downs led the

Crimson Tide in overall tackles this season with 107 and was the first true freshman in program history to do so. He was a luxury prospect in the 2023 class, ranked No. 11 overall and was the No. 1 safety out of Hoschton, Georgia.Downs entered the transfer portal Jan. 17, and many thought he would end up at Georgia. His previous protective backs coach, Travaris Robinson, signed up with the Georgia staff and, in spite of an effort from new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer to get Robinson back on the Crimson Tide staff, Robinson stuck with the Dawgs.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Downs had considered Ohio State throughout his recruitment, nevertheless, and it was thought that the

Buckeyes completed 2nd to Alabama at the time.The Ohio State coaches got another chance to hire Downs and, after an at home see with Downs and his household, he is now moving to Ohio State.He has three years of eligibility staying and will immediately contribute to a Buckeyes defense that has improved greatly in Year 2 under organizer Jim Knowles.Downs adds to a currently substantial list of impact transfers coming for the Buckeyes with Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins and Alabama center Seth McLaughlin.