Former Alabama safety named best newcomer in college football

Olson and Lederman’s selection for the top spot isn’t too surprising. They explained why Downs has the potential to make a big impact for Ohio State this season.

“Downs claimed a starting role during his debut season with the Crimson Tide and went on to become the first freshman to lead Alabama in tackles (107) since at least 1970,” they wrote. “The Freshman All-American entered the portal after Nick Saban’s retirement and surprised many by picking the Buckeyes. He’s an elite addition in the Ohio State secondary who will be looked upon as a key playmaker within a team that harbors nation title aspirations.”

Downs is coming off a massively impressive performance as a true freshman with the Crimson Tide last season. Not only did he lead Alabama in tackles, but he also finished with the fourth-highest PFF defensive grade on the school’s roster in 2023.

Despite his success with the Crimson Tide last season, Downs was clearly there to learn from former Alabama head coach Nick Saban. So when Saban retired earlier this year, the young safety decided to take his talents to another powerhouse college football program and join the Buckeyes.

In place of Downs this year, the Crimson Tide will be relying on a newcomer of their own as former Michigan safety Keon Sabb is expected to fill the void in Alabama’s secondary after transferring to the school in February.

In the last two years with the Wolverines, Sabb was only in the starting lineup for five of his 18 appearances, but the Crimson Tide must hope that his inexperience as a starter won’t be a huge factor when he steps on the field this season.

Like Downs, Sabb was selected as one of ESPN’s top 100 newcomers this year, but instead of a ranking, he was placed in a tier labeled “Dynamic Defenders.”

Alabama’s new starting safety might not be able to fully replace its old one in 2024, but Olson and Lederman still believe the former Michigan defender can be “a great fit” in the Crimson Tide’s secondary.