On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Alabama takes lead for Caleb Downs

Five-star Hoschton (Ga.) Mill Creek safety Caleb Downs has kept his recruitment very close to the vest. In numerous interviews, he did nothing to give away whether he was leaning toward one school in his final group that includes Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and Ohio State.

As such, those schools have been jockeying back and forth, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM). But after recent updates, one team has jumped into first place. Alabama now holds a 44.8 percent chance of securing Downs’ commitment, per the RPM. Georgia (28.3%) and Ohio State (21.9%) trail slightly behind.

Downs took official visits to each of his four finalists in the month of June, and previously told On3’s Chad Simmons that he planned to take time after those visits before making a decision, potentially this month or next.

In a recent edition of Simmons’ Scoops, the On3 Director of Recruiting had this to say: “I was leaning more towards Ohio State maybe a month or so ago, but coming back from the official visits, I like where Alabama and maybe Georgia sit a little bit, slightly better than Ohio State right now. Again, I think it’s a three-team race between three power programs in Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.”

Prior to Wednesday, it was the Bulldogs who held a slight advantage (41.3%) in the RPM, with Ohio State (35.1 percent) and Alabama (17.2 percent) behind.

Caleb Downs Scouting Summary

Downs ranks as the No. 13 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus and the nation’s No. 1 safety. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power write this about Downs as a prospect:

“Extremely well-rounded safety who has been one of the top prospects in Georgia regardless of class for much of his high school career. Shows a complete skill set as a cover safety. Has the range to cover hash to boundary with ease. Also is fluid and natural in man coverage. Outstanding ball production with 14 interceptions over the first three seasons of his high school career.

… Instinctual both in coverage and as a cover down defender. Identifies run plays and underneath passes very quickly. Also an active tackler. Shows off his athleticism on offense where he sees snaps at multiple skill positions, including quarterback. Has starred while playing against top competition in the Peach State. Comes from strong bloodlines with a father who was an NFL Draft pick and brother who is one of the better receivers in college football.”