New Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs Reveals Thoughts on Nick Saban

Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs committed to the Crimson Tide originally because he wanted to play for Nick Saban, and the decision paid off.

Former Alabama safety Caleb Downs committed to the Crimson Tide originally because he wanted to play for Nick Saban, and the decision paid off. Downs earned SEC Freshman of the Year and became the first Crimson Tide freshman to lead his team in tackles in decades.

But when Saban announced his retirement, Downs decided the appeal of Alabama was gone. And it didn't take long for him to decide Columbus was his next calling.

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But for Downs, many of the things he learned in Tuscaloosa from Saban will still be with him at Ohio State as he dons the scarlet and grey, and he'll carry Saban's lessons with him in Columbus.

“He [Saban] was committed every single day to being his best self,” he said. “Not many people can say that and be truthful with that. He was the same person every single day. Taught me a lot about commitment, being disciplined and consistency. Everything that goes with that and being great. That’s what he embodies.”

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“… The same expectations that I’ve had my whole life, the same like expectations that we had at Bama to win games and dominate every game and go win a championship.”

Ohio State and coach Ryan Day are under a ton of pressure to win after losing to Michigan the past three seasons. But with Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh moving back to the NFL, the door could be opening for a Big Ten title coming to Columbus.