Alabama Safety Caleb Downs Named FWAA Freshman All-American
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