According to his last count, Caleb Downs received 102 phone calls in the seven or eight hours following his entry into the transfer portal on Jan. 17.

Downs, one of the best Alabama freshmen in history, said he wanted to respect the coaches who reached out and responded to about 80 of them despite knowing he had his contenders.

Speaking to media at Ohio State on Tuesday — his first public comments since his departure — Downs explained his decision. He also revealed his reaction to Nick Saban’s retirement.

“It was a huge surprise walking into that meeting,” Downs said. “(Saban) saying that (made) my heart dropped for sure. But at the end of the day, if that’s what he felt what’s best for him I love him for it. That’s what he needed to do.

“I just felt like (going to Ohio State) was the best decision for me. At the end of the day, everybody’s got to do what they needed to for themselves.”

Downs smiled and delivered a “no comment” when asked if Ohio State finished second when he came out of Mill Creek (Georgia) High as a five-star safety. Alabama earned his commitment with a recruiting effort from Saban and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson, who’s now at Georgia in the same role (as well as being co-defensive coordinator). Downs was named Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year after becoming the first freshman to lead a UA team in tackles with 107.

It was rumored that Downs would return to his home state and he admitted in OSU’s facility that there was some “back and forth” between his choices. Downs said he kept his circle close and consulted his brother, Josh Downs, a receiver with the Indianapolis Colts. Downs also credited Buckeyes secondary coach Tim Walton for building a good relationship. He said Walton “grew up” with Downs’ father, Gary Downs.

Downs cited Alabama’s wins at Mississippi State and Texas A&M as his best games of the season. Downs recorded both of his interceptions in those back-to-back wins. His maturity was lauded by coaches, including Saban, for being a contributing factor to his success.

“Very disciplined person,” Downs said of Saban. “He was committed every day to being his best self and not many people can actually say that and be truthful with that. He was the same person every single day and he taught me a lot about commitment, about being disciplined, consistency, everything that goes with that and being great, that’s what he embodies.”

Downs was one of 10 players to leave Tuscaloosa following Saban’s retirement. Two other players went to Ohio State, center Seth McLaughlin and quarterback Julian Sayin.

“I appreciated Seth when I got recruited to Bama. The relationship I had with him is great,” Downs added. ” … But at the end of the day it was about me making my own decision.”

Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].