This year, Downs earned the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in college football. He was also a two-time unanimous All-American and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Downs had 68 tackles this season, to go along with two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a sack. He led an Ohio State defense that ranked No. 1 nationally allowing just 9.3 points per game.
"What do you need Caleb Downs to do? Whatever it is, he'll do it. Need him to do lineup near the line of scrimmage like an extra linebacker? Can do -- he made 7.5 tackles for loss last season with eight run stops."