Alabama crossed into rival territory to land the top-ranked player in the state of Georgia, as five-star safety Caleb Downs announced his verbal commitment to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday. Downs took official visits to Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame in June and also listed North Carolina among his finalists.
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The 6-foot, 185-pound Downs is the No. 12 overall player in the country and No. 1 safety in the 247Sports Composite. He has 14 interceptions during his high school career at Mill Creek in Hoschton, Ga. He comes from a family of great football players, as his uncle is former UNC great Dre Bly, currently the Tar Heels’ cornerbacks coach, and his father, Gary Downs, played running back at NC State. His brother is current Tar Heels receiver Josh Downs, who caught 101 passes last year.
“Let’s keep it simple. 🚨 #RollTide 🚨”
Five-star safety recruit @caleb_downs2 makes his college announcement with The Players’ Tribune. pic.twitter.com/0py0GSHuPw
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) July 27, 2022
Alabama has not previously signed the top-ranked recruit in the state of Georgia in any class in the era of internet recruiting rankings. All-American linebacker Will Anderson was ranked fourth in the state as a recruit. With Downs’ commitment, Alabama now has commitments from three of the top four players in the Peach State for the Class of 2023, a list that also includes four-star running back Justice Haynes and quarterback Dylan Lonergan.
The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs met in last year’s SEC and College Football Playoff championship games, and both show no indication that the competition will stop anytime soon. Alabama landing Downs comes after five-star cornerback AJ Harris of Phenix City, Ala., committed to Georgia last month.
Downs is the third five-star defensive back to commit to Alabama this cycle, along with cornerback Jahlil Hurley (Florence, Ala.) and safety Tony Mitchell (Alabaster, Ala.). Downs’ pledge moves the Crimson Tide’s class to No. 5 in the 247Sports Composite, behind Ohio State, Notre Dame, Georgia and Texas.
(Photo: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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