Downs Reels in Huge Honor

The Football Writers Association of America has named its 2023 Freshman All-American Team, and Alabama's Caleb Downs is on it. That news comes as Downs ponders his Alabama future and considers big NIL offers from Georgia and Ohio State.

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The FWASA annually honors the best true freshmen and redshirt freshmen in college football. Downs hails from Hoschton, GA.

In all 22 true freshmen were honored along with 10 redshirt freshmen.  Downs was the only Bama player named, though tackle Kadyn Proctor was considered.

The 6-foot, 203-pounder out of Mill Creek High Downs started all 14-games for the Tide and led the team in total tackles with 107 stops. He earned the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award as well. Downs pulled in interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. He also returned a punt for a touchdown against Chattanooga, going 85 yards to "the house."

Alabama's leadership council met with Downs Monday night in an effort to retain him in the program.

Downs is the only Crimson Tide representative honored by the FWAA. Clemson and Georgia led all schools with three selections each. Interestingly, freshman defensive lineman from Clemson Peter Woods was named to the team. The Crimson Tide lost a close recruiting battle to the Tigers over the Alabama-product.