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In late-July, I made a familiar trek to Columbus to check out a player who’s expected to take college football by storm this fall and serve as the microcosm of the era we’re in: Sophomore safety Caleb Downs. Ohio State fans are certainly well-versed in all things Downs, who was the No. 1 transfer this offseason, but my goal was to tell an overarching story for a wider audience at CBSSports.com: Spiritual journey guides Caleb Downs to Ohio State as centerpiece of Buckeyes’ offseason haul.
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 on Ohio State’s portal and NIL push.
Here are five things I learned.
What I thought of Caleb Downs
Simple: A buttoned-down, already-accomplished veteran (only a sophomore) who sees not only the field but the future in front of him. He has the respect of the staff and his teammates. He’s in the perfect place for his future, considering the coach of his former team (Nick Saban) 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 almost 30 years ago. How many 19-year-olds know who Ronnie Lott is? If Ohio State chooses, Downs could become a low-key Travis Hunter. He probably won’t, although Downs will be used as a running back sporadically. But imagine the Heisman juice this kid would get if he played 100 snaps per game. In this age of all-me, NIL money-grubbing it was nice to meet a player who has it all together. I’m not saying Downs didn’t get a nice NIL bump, that didn’t seem to be the motivating factor. At least I haven’t seen his Bentley yet.
Why…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ronnie-lott-is-caleb-downs-favorite-player-plus-four-other-things-i-learned-about-ohio-states-newest-star/
Author : Dennis Dodd
Publish date : 2024-08-27 14:53:21
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