Ronnie Lott is Caleb Downs’ favorite player, plus four other things I learned about Ohio State’s new star

In late July, I made a familiar trip to Columbus to see a player who is expected to take college football by storm this fall and become a microcosm of the era we’re in: second-year safety Caleb DownsOhio State fans are certainly well aware of all the things about Downs, who was the No. 1 transfer this offseason, but my goal was to tell a broader story for the broader audience at CBSSports.com: Spiritual journey leads Caleb Downs to Ohio State, highlight of Buckeyes’ offseason,

In my reporting, I was given access to Downs, coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. I also spoke to Caleb’s father, Gary, and former Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith for more context about Ohio State’s portal and NIL push.

Here are five things I learned.

What do I think about Caleb Downs?

Simple: A composed, already proven veteran (only a sophomore) who not only sees the field but the future ahead of him. He has the respect of the staff and his teammates. He’s in the perfect spot for his future, considering his former team’s coach (Nick Saban) has retired. Ohio State has arguably the best defense in the country. I thought it was unique that his favorite player is Ronnie Lott, a legend who retired nearly 30 years ago. How many 19-year-olds know who Ronnie Lott is? If Ohio State wants, Downs can become a low-key Travis Hunter. He probably won’t, though Downs will be used as an occasional running back. But imagine how much Heisman juice this kid would get if he did. He Played 100 snaps per game. In this era where it’s all about me, no greed for money, it’s nice to meet a player who has it all. I’m not saying Downs didn’t get a nice NIL bump, but it doesn’t seem like that was the motivating factor. At least I haven’t seen his Bentley yet.

Why did Caleb Downs transfer?

Nick Saban retired. It’s as simple as that. When Downs came out of high school as a top-10 recruit, Ohio State finished second. The Buckeyes were so close that Downs cried telling OSU coach Ryan Day about his decision. So close that Downs’ father, Gary, said “the voice of God” made the difference in guiding his son to Bama. Uncertainty was high after the GOAT retired, even after a freshman All-American season at Bama. Plus, Alabama cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson left (for Georgia). Players and coaches were close. The family was already close to OSU secondary coach Tim Walton.

What makes Caleb Downs special?

Vision, speed, tenacity. Downs led Alabama in tackles (107) as a freshman. It was the most by an Alabama freshman since at least 1970. OSU DC Jim Knowles said Downs “takes the meeting room to the field.” OSU OC Chip Kelly made this point: “You’ll talk to him after practice and he’ll say, ‘You gave us this structure. It was new. It was tough.’ I’m always trying to get feedback from him.”

Caleb Downs’ offensive potential?

Unlimited, if Day really wanted to free him up. Downs did everything in high school — running, receiving, kick returns, defense. As it is, Downs has worked with the offense and had a package put together with him as a running back. “Sometimes you can see a kid who has a lot of athletic ability, but will he be able to handle playing defense, playing special teams, coming in and having a package put together on offense,” Kelly said. “Caleb can do it in a second.” The guess here is that Downs will be inserted for a few plays each game, if nothing else, as a decoy. His ability as a punt returner will also make him one of the nation’s best. Last year he returned only four punts but scored on one of them while averaging 21.5 yards.

Environment gets major credit for family’s success

Downs’ toughness came from his father, a seven-year veteran running back in the NFL. Gary Downs once pitted his 9-year-old sons, Josh and 6-year-old Caleb, against each other — in full pads — inside the family’s home.

“That’s my first real memory of football. Josh was bigger than me, that’s for sure,” Caleb said. “I definitely got bullied.”

He was joking. The Downs family has a knack for producing excellence. One sister played football at Kennesaw State and is now in medical school at Wake Forest. Former North Carolina receiver Josh Downs is starting his second season with the Indianapolis Colts.

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