Alabama defender named 2023 Shaun Alexander Player of the Year
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Alabama safety Caleb Downs was named the 2023 Shaun Alexander Freshman Football Player of the Year Wednesday afternoon, becoming the 2nd Crimson Tide freshman in the last 5 years to win the award, joining Will Anderson.
The award, as you can probably guess, is given each year to the top freshman player in the country. Downs beat out the likes of Miami’s Rueben Bain and NC State’s Kevin Concepcion.
Congratulations to Caleb Downs, DB, University of Alabama! You are the 2023 Shaun Alexander Freshman Football Player of the Year. @caleb_downs2 joins an awesome family of award-winning athletes.
2018: @Trevorlawrencee
2019: @KENNETHGAINWEL
2020: @will_anderson28… pic.twitter.com/mOo9WoHKL2— Shaun Alexander (@shaunalexander) December 27, 2023
Downs was not just one of the best freshmen in the country, he was also one of the best defensive backs in the SEC. The former 5-star prospect out of Georgia finished the year with 95 tackles, 1 interception, 2 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and 3 pass deflections.
In addition, Downs was a solid return man for the Crimson Tide, totaling 87 yards and a touchdown against Chattanooga:
85 YARD TO THE ??@caleb_downs2
? ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/W02mgLfJX9
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 18, 2023
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
