Ohio State safety Caleb Downs dismisses transfer rumors: 'My actions speak for themselves'
Kadyn Proctor’s expected return to Alabama set off speculation on social media last month that other players who left the Crimson Tide in the wake of Nick Saban’s retirement might pursue a similar path.
Much of it centered on Caleb Downs, the All-America safety who left for Ohio State in January.
As he looked back on the rumors following a spring practice with the Buckeyes on Wednesday, Downs smiled and let out a sigh. A response about his own future had seemed unnecessary.
“I didn’t feel like I needed to say anything,” he said, “because at the end of the day, I was still at practice, I was still with my teammates. My actions speak for themselves.”
Downs has adjusted to Ohio State, practicing at multiple safety positions within the secondary with the type of work ethic that has stood out to the staff.
“He’s really special,” said Matt Guerrieri, the Buckeyes’ safeties coach. “Talent is a God-given thing. But the discipline and skill you develop over the time in your life, he’s been able to do that.”
A native of suburban Atlanta, Downs said he also enjoyed his first few months living in Columbus.
“I love the city,” he said. “I love High Street. I love going to the restaurants. The food is great. I’ve got no complaints.”
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He pointed out that it is larger than Tuscaloosa, a traditional college town in Alabama.
“Here, there’s a lot of people to see,” Downs said, “a lot of different business you can be a part of, so I’m trying to learn the city and learn what everybody has to offer.”
When Downs found out about Proctor’s reversal last month, he said he congratulated Proctor on the decision.
“If that’s what he feels is best, that’s what he feels is best,” Downs said, “and I support him.”
The move is not, technically, final. The prized left tackle must wait until April 16 before he puts his name in the transfer portal, a procedural step for him to get back to Alabama after a semester at Iowa.
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It has become easier for players to transfer multiple times as the NCAA faces a lawsuit that limits the organization’s ability to enforce restrictions.
While the suit continues, multi-transfers are eligible to play immediately during the next academic year, according to guidance issued last month, as reported by the Associated Press.
With the coaching carousel spinning in and out of the season, Downs said movement among players is only fair.
“The coaches have the same right to do what they do,” he said. “A coach can come for a month and leave. Then he’s leaving the player high and dry. If they’re going to have the ability, why wouldn’t the players have some type of say in their life?”
Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch and can be reached at jkaufman@dispatch.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State safety Caleb Downs dismisses Alabama transfer rumors
