Eric Boggs
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs understands the challenge awaiting the Buckeyes in Seattle, but he’s approaching it with the same detail and composure that have made him one of the leaders on the defense. Speaking with reporters this week, Downs highlighted Washington’s balance, his respect for the Huskies’ quarterback, Demond Williams, and the confidence he has in his teammates and defensive system.
Downs started by praising Washington’s offensive coordinator and the talent surrounding him. “Really good offensive coordinator. He’s been a lot of places coached with Coach P (Matt Patricia.) So really good coach with combined with a lot of good players,” Downs said. “QB is a really good player, running back is a really good player (Jonah Coleman,) receiver is a really good player (Denzel Boston.) So they have a lot of talent around the field with a good OC calling the plays.”
He sees Washington’s quarterback as a dynamic threat. “He can throw the ball. He has a really good arm. He’s really fast and quick and can do a lot of things when he gets out the pocket,” Downs explained. “But he’s playing at a high level right now. And that’s… as a defender, a quarterback that can run, throw the ball, it’s a tough challenge for a defense. Because you have to have plus one runs, you have to cage the pocket. I mean, he’s doing a good job. I mean, that’s always a challenge for any defender.”
Downs described the adjustments required against a quarterback who can scramble. “Just got to have better eyes. Better eyes on the quarterback if he scrambles,” he said. “And then if he scrambles, gets out the pocket, just trying to stay on my man if we’re in man. If we’re in zone, stay in our zones until he breaks the line of scrimmage and then go tackle him.”
The junior also used the opportunity to credit teammates who have stepped up early in the season. He praised Jermaine Mathews Jr. for his versatility, saying, “He’s a very versatile player. He understands the game well. And just having the confidence to play at a different position is a big thing. He’s playing with a lot of confidence right now.” On freshman safety Devin Sanchez, Downs noted, “He’s trying to be intentional with everything he does. He’s trying to learn. Trying to put himself in positions to make plays on the field. And when his name is called, make the play.” Downs also pointed to Jaylen McClain’s development: “He’s grown up. I mean, he’s a really good communicator. He’s put himself in a lot of good positions. He made a lot of plays. I think he’s taken a real leadership role in just showing the way for the young guys.”
For Downs, preparation isn’t a chore but one of the things he values most. “That’s part of the thing that I pride myself on. And, yeah, that’s fun to me,” he said. “Being able to understand football is something that I think I’ve been able to do since I’ve been at a young age. So, yeah, that’s fun to me for sure, especially hearing it from different perspectives like Coach G, Coach Walt, Coach Patricia, being able to compare, see what everybody thinks.”
He also expressed how much he enjoys Matt Patricia’s defensive system. “I think it allows me to play in many different positions, be able to use my skill set, being able to think and recognize different things,” Downs said. “It’s a positive for sure for anybody that can play multiple positions and put themselves in different places. It allows you to disguise well and do a lot of great things. So, I mean, I’m excited to play in the defense.”
Downs made it clear that while he doesn’t see himself as a “kindred spirit” to Patricia, he deeply values the wisdom the veteran coach brings. “I don’t know about kindred spirit, but I respect that man to the highest level,” Downs said. “Just everything he does, even walking into meetings, talking about Marcus Aurelius, talking about things outside of football, it’s a great thing to listen to and be around.”
With Washington’s offense rolling and Husky Stadium providing one of the most hostile environments in college football, Downs’ film study, communication, and poise will be critical. As he put it, “We’re only focused on the game that we have right now. So, that’s the biggest challenge right now.”
