• Downs impresses in Alabama football debut. • • Can he keep it up against Texas? •

• 2023 Bama Football 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL Caleb Downs drew a big cheer from the Bryant-Denny Stadium crowd when he was announced as a starter for Alabama football. The freshman safety was a highly touted recruit and the Crimson Tide faithful were excited to see his debut. On the field, Alabama corner Kool-Aid McKinstry said he didn’t see the younger get overwhelmed by the moment leading into the game. “I didn’t see it,” McKinstry said. “If he was, I couldn’t see it. He was ready to play and I feel like, the way that he prepared to play, he wouldn’t even be nervous.” Downs made good on the opportunity. There were certainly times where he showed his youth against the Blue Raiders, but nothing that cost the Tide in any major manner. He ended up leading the Crimson Tide in tackles with eight, six solo and one for a loss. “Caleb Downs did a good job communicating, making plays, relaying,” McKinstry said. “I feel like him being a freshman and relaying the calls around, that’s as good as he can do. I feel like it’s very good, he’s a great player.” And yes, MTSU is a Conference USA school. But for a first showing it was solid. Good enough to earn the youngster the SEC freshman of the week award. Also, good enough to impress Nick Saban, who broke the news of Downs receiving the honor, which the league has yet to announce. “I think Caleb played really well,” Saban said. “Plays fast, he’s physical. I think that was a really challenging game, especially for a young player to have to play with all the formations and adjustments he had to make and I think he handled it really well.” Texas will be a different type of challenge for Downs and the rest of the Crimson Tide secondary. The Longhorns are led by former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, and feature a room full of excellent wide receivers, including Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy. It will be a next-level adjustment for a first-year player. He’ll need to not be shaken by the moment of facing a highly ranked team in a contest ESPN is making its marquee game of the week. But if Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold’s praise holds true for another week, that shouldn’t be a problem. • ROLLING WITH THE TIDE •