Ohio State sophomore safety Caleb Downs was the only player in the country to be named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back and the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defender on Tuesday.
Downs, who transferred to Ohio State from Alabama, has been one of the more efficient Buckeyes as the last line of defense often saving lengthy touchdowns.
In 11 games with the Buckeyes, Downs’ 51 tackles are the third-highest on the team, while his 6.5 tackles for loss are tied for the second most on the team.
Joining Downs on the list for the Thorpe Award are Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron and Georgia cornerback Malaki Starks.
The two other finalists for the Bednarik Award meanwhile, are Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter.
Despite making the All-SEC first-team and being named the SEC Freshman of the Year, Downs was not one of three finalists for either the Thorpe Award or the Bednarik Award last season.
Downs will find out if he’s named the nation’s best defender, cornerback or both when the awards are announced on Dec. 12 during ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards show.
