Report Alabama Closing Secret Deal To Sign Ohio State MVP In A Blockbuster Trade

admin | June 20, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Report Alabama Closing Secret Deal To Sign Ohio State MVP In A Blockbuster Trade

Caleb Downs could see time on the other side of the ball for Ohio State.

The Alabama safety transfer participated in some meetings with the running backs leading up to the start of fall camp.

“It was part of the recruiting process possibly doing a little bit of running back as well,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Tuesday, per Cleveland.com. “It’s something he wanted to do. We’ve been having him in some of the meetings and some of the individual drills as a possibility there if needed down the road as we continue to build depth at that position.”

Downs, a five-star prospect for the Crimson Tide last season, led Alabama in tackles with 107 in 2023. He won the Shaun Alexander Award, which goes to the top freshman in college football. He also returned four punts for Nick Saban’s team last season for 87 yards, including an 85-yard return for a touchdown against Chattanooga.

“We feel like if we have four strong running backs going into it that’s gonna be enough to carry the season,” Day said. “I do think that the quarterbacks will want the ball more this season. So that should take some carriers away from them.”

Saban, who retired at the end of the season, had high hopes for Downs.

“Caleb has played really well for us,” Saban said in October. “He’s very mature. The guy really pays attention to detail and does a really good job in preparation. Wants to know what he’s supposed to do. How he’s supposed to do it. Why it’s important to do it that way. He’s got great football instincts and savvy, so he kind of understands what the other team’s trying to do, which I think is important as well. So he’s done a good job of that.”