Ohio State's Caleb Downs Could Play Safety, RB After Transfer from Alabama

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day signaled Alabama transfer could be deployed on both sides of the ball during the 2024 season.

Day told reporters Tuesday that Downs, who's listed as a safety on the roster, has attended some running back meetings.

"I know that he has the capability to do it," the coach said. "I know he has the athleticism to do it. We'll see where it goes."

Two-way players in college football have grown increasingly rare. The physical demands are simply too high in the modern game, and stars with NFL aspirations have too much to lose by taking the risk.

After the success of Colorado's Travis Hunter, the idea could become more popular again. Hunter had 721 receiving yards and three interceptions in his first year with the Buffaloes.

Part of the reason Colorado leaned so heavily on Hunter, though, was through necessity. He was the team's best player, and its six-game slide to finish out the season laid bare its lack of depth across the roster.

That's not an issue for Ohio State, especially when it comes to running back.

TreVeyon Henderson is back after running for 926 yards and 11 touchdowns, and the Buckeyes signed Quinshon Judkins out of the transfer portal. Judkins had 2,725 yards and 31 scores on the ground in his two seasons at Ole Miss.

It's hard to see what Downs would bring to the table and whether whatever minor edge he provides is worth adding to his workload.