Caleb Downs Will Enter The Alabama Transfer Portal

(CTN News) – A report from On3 indicates that All-American freshman defensive back Caleb Downs is expected to enter the transfer portal on Wednesday morning.

After former Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced his retirement last week, Caleb Downs was given 30 days to enter the portal.

In 2023, Caleb Downs had one of the most impressive freshman seasons under Saban’s coaching. With 107 tackles, he became the first freshman to lead the team in tackles in school history.

In terms of tackles, Deontae Lawson was second only to Caleb Downs with 67.

As well as forcing a fumble and intercepting two passes, he also added a forced fumble. Downs received numerous accolades at the end of the season. According to the Associated Press and SEC coaches, he was named SEC Freshman of the Year, named a Freshman All-American, and was selected as the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year by the FWAA, which is presented to the best freshman in all of college football.

In addition, he was named to both the Sporting News and the Associated Press’ second team of All-Americans, the only freshman in the country selected to either the first or second team.

The defensive back position has suffered the most losses since the end of the season and Saban’s departure, and Caleb Downs’ loss would be one of the largest of all. It is anticipated that Caleb Downs will become the seventh defensive back to enter the transfer portal, following Earl Little, Kristian Story, Jake Pope, Dezz Ricks, Antonio Kite, and Trey Amos.

In Downs’ case, he is still eligible to return to Alabama, but his team and head coach Kalen DeBoer would have to make an enormous recruiting effort.

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