Caleb Downs Named Finalist for Bednarik, Thorpe Awards

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Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs was named a finalist for both the Maxwell Football Club's Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe Awards on Nov. 26. The sophomore defensive back has been incredible this season as the glue that holds the No. 2 Buckeyes' (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten Conference) defense together. He now is seeing the fruits of his labor as he is in the running for the two top defensive awards available to him.

The Bednarik Award

The Chuck Bednarik Award goes to the best overall defensive player each year. Given how versatile Downs has been this season, he is more than deserving of being a finalist. He has excelled as a pass-and-run defender for the nation's top defense. Downs is third on the Buckeyes in total tackles behind only linebackers Sonny Styles and Cody Simon. He also has 6.5 tackles for loss, including a 0.5 sack that came in the season opener.

The other two finalists are Penn State's Abdul Carter and Colorado's Heisman Trophy contender Travis Hunter. All three are absolutely fitting finalists for the award, but Downs has surely positioned himself to win it down the stretch.

The Thorpe Award

The Jim Thorpe Award goes to the best DB in the country each season. Downs certainly fits the criteria and the eye test needed to win. He has competition in Georgia's Malaki Starks and Texas' Jahdae Barron. Downs is a unique DB as he often plays near the line of scrimmage. His stats don't quite show the effect he has on the game at times. Being named a finalist shows that the nation has taken note of his impact this season.

Caleb Downs' Play This Season

Downs may have less impressive statistics this season, but anyone who watches the Buckeyes can tell you that he is one of the best players they have ever seen. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is using Downs' versatility to play him all over the field. He's often being used as a roamer throughout the field. That allows him to do what he does best: make plays.

Downs is perhaps the most sure tackler not only on Ohio State but in the country. He not only has incredible instincts, but great discipline. He is never out of place and never fails to make the correct move and finish through every play. Downs' downhill speed is unlike anyone else's as he moves like a torpedo once he commits to the ball carrier. His ability to wrap up and drive through players is equal to his unique skill of seemingly taking down players by smacking his hands through their ankles to upend them.

He has also broken through on special teams. He returned a punt for a 79-yard touchdown against No. 10 Indiana (10-1, 9-1 B1G) on Nov. 23. The play completely changed the game as he gave the Buckeyes a two-TD lead that they continued to add onto. It also was the first punt return TD for Ohio State since 2014. He broke the decade-long drought at a time when the team needed it most.

Downs has also been incredible as a leader on and off the field. He was named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy earlier this year. That trophy is awarded to the nation's top defensive player with their off-field impact and character weighed equally for the award. Downs has done consistent work in the Columbus, Ohio community through THE Foundation. He also has been a clear leader for the Buckeyes on the field. Downs and teammate Lathan Ranson were spotted on the sideline going over film on the tablets after giving up a late TD against the Hoosiers. The act showed the dedication and persistence of Downs and his defensive backfield partner.

Downs has been absolutely amazing for the Buckeyes this season. He has received constant praise from his coaches and teammates alike. His in-game play has matched, and even perhaps exceeded, the expectations that came after his stellar freshman season at Alabama prior to joining Ohio State. The No. 2 Buckeyes will continue relying on his play and leadership as they move into the postseason.