Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Named FWAA Freshman All-American

Purdue safety edges out Downs for defensive freshman of the year.
Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Named FWAA Freshman All-American
Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Named FWAA Freshman All-American /
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The Football Writers Association of America has named its 2023 Freshman All-American Team, honoring the best true freshmen and redshirt freshmen in college football.

In total 22 true freshmen were honored and 10 redshirt freshmen on the team, but only one player from the Alabama Crimson Tide was honored.

Alabama freshman safety Caleb Downs is one of three safeties named FWAA Freshman All-American. 

The 6-foot, 203-pound star from Hoschton, Ga., started in 14-games for the Tide and led the team in tackles with 107 stops. He earned the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, becoming just the second Alabama player to earn the honor. Downs made two interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble, he returned a punt for a touchdown as well, making his impact felt whenever he was on the field for the Tide.

Downs is the only Crimson Tide representative honored by the FWAA. Clemson and Georgia led all schools with three selections each. Interestingly, freshman defensive lineman from Clemson Peter Woods was named to the team. The Crimson Tide lost a close recruiting battle to the Tigers over the Alabama-product. 

Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was named FWAA Offensive Freshman of the Year. Fifita played in 12 games, completing 241 passes for 2869 yards and 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions. 

Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman was named FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year. Thieneman played in 12 games and made 106 tackles with six interceptions and two forced fumbles. 

Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-American Team

Offense

Quarterback - Noah Fifita - Arizona 

Running Back - Jalen Buckley - Western Michigan

Running Back - Makhi Hughes - Tulane

Wide Receiver - Nic Anderson - Oklahoma

Wide Receiver - Pofele Ashlock - Hawaii

Wide Receiver - Eric Singleton Jr. - Georgia Tech

Wide Receiver - Eugene Wilson III - Florida 

Tight End - Arlis Boardingham - Florida

Tackle - Earnest Greene III - Georgia

Tackle - Francis Mauigoa - Miami

Guard - Cayden Green - Oklahoma 

Guard - Share Hurst - Tulane

Center - Parker Brailsford - Washington 

Defense

Defensive Line - Rueben Bain Jr. - Miami

Defensive Line - TJ Bush - Liberty

Defensive Line - Nate Johnson - Appalachian State

Defensive Line - T.J. Parker - Clemson

Defensive Line - Peter Woods - Clemson

Linebacker - CJ Allen - Georgia

Linebacker - Anthony Hill - Texas

Linebacker - Ben Roberts - Texas Tech

Linebacker - Cade Uluave - California

Cornerback - D'Angelo Ponds - James Madison

Cornerback - Raion Strader - Miami (Ohio)

Safety - Khalil Barnes - Clemson

Safety - Caleb Downs - Alabama

Safety - Dillon Thieneman - Purdue

Specialists 

Kicker - Peyton Woodring - Georgia

Punter - Ryan Eckley - Michigan State

Kick Returner - DeAndre Buchannon - Georgia Southern

Punt Returner - Zacharia Branch - Southern California

All Purpose - Kevin "KC" Concepcion, NC State

Report: Alabama Football to Hire Kane Wommack as New Defensive Coordinator


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Joe Gaither
JOE GAITHER

My name is Joe Gaither, I am a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., and a 2018 graduate of the University of Alabama. I have a strong passion for sports and giving a voice to the underserved. Feel free to email me at joegaither6@icloud.com for tips, story ideas or comments.