Bama Freshman Nominated for Award Named for Tide Legend

Alabama freshman safety Caleb Downs of Hoschton, GA has been named as a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Wednesday.

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Downs is one of 14 semifinalists for the Alexander Award. The honor is presented each year to the most outstanding freshman player in college football. Finalists will be named on Nov. 29 with the 2023 winner of the Shaun Alexander Award being announced on Dec. 27.

Alabama’s only winner of the Shaun Alexander Award was Will Anderson Jr. following his standout 2020 campaign. Alexander was an All-American running back at Alabama who enjoyed a standout NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Downs iImmediately stepped in as Alabama's starting strong safety as a true freshman. The Mill Creek High School grad leads Alabama and ranks sixth in the SEC with 63 tackles, including one for loss  of minus-2 yards.

Downs has also been credited this season with one pass breakup, a forced fumble and two interceptions with a combined 11 return yards on the picks.

He is no stranger to honors. Downs is a two-time SEC Freshman of the Week (vs. Middle Tennessee and Mississippi State) and the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week following the Tide's win in Starkville.

Downs will be a key to slowing down the vaunted LSU offensive attack and quarterback Jaden Daniels Saturday night when the Tigers come calling to Bryant-Denny Stadium. Kick time is set for 6:45 p.m. CT and the game can be heard on Tide 100.9, 95.3 The Bear and 1230 AM WTBC.