Travaris Robinson recognized the foundation of Caleb Downs’ star-making 2023 season a year ago. During the recruitment process. Alabama’s secondary coach realized quickly Downs didn’t communicate like other high schoolers.

Days before his senior state championship game with Mill Creek (Ga.) High, Downs texted Robinson with a question. Not about life in Tuscaloosa or the philosophy of the program, instead, Downs wanted to know how Alabama handled a flanked tight end while in a Cover 7 defense.

“Caleb is he’s such a conscientious guy,” Robinson told AL.com during a Rose Bowl media session. “His technique, his eye control, how he watches film, what to do, how much can he learn. He loves to learn. That’s the reason why he’s had so much success.

“Not just necessarily his ability, I saw the other things. Caleb is a guy who loves football man. He works at it. … It’s paying dividends.”

After headlining the 2022 recruiting class, multiple coaches and players realized how deliberate Downs was and how he carried himself. Every morning, Downs said, he wakes up and reads from his Bible and Devotional, then prays. He reviews his goals for the day, stretches, and spends a stint in the hot and cold tubs before trying to “go out and have the best day he can.”

Both Downs and Robinson agreed they’re not surprised with the accolades Downs has amassed: Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award winner; All-SEC first-team; a UA leading 99 tackles; two interceptions; a punt returned for a touchdown. As Robinson learned before Downs arrived in Tuscaloosa and the country has realized this fall through No. 4 Alabama’s season, that’s just who Downs is.

Downs said he started his daily routine last fall at Mill Creek. He learned it from his father, Gary Downs Jr., who was a running back in the NFL. The grandson of an Army jumpmaster, Downs also picked up meticulous notetaking in a family with multiple professional athletes. It’s for that reason, Robinson believes, that Downs is primed for more success next year and beyond.

“He spends countless amount of hours and time meeting with everybody in the building whether it’s myself, whether it’s Coach Saban, whether it’s a (graduate assistant), whoever it is, to get it right,” Robinson said.

Downs appreciated the patience the staff had with him while Downs adjusted to college. He learned from first-year coach and alum Ha-Ha Clinton Dix, a former NFL first-round pick. Downs also said Alabama’s Director of Personnel Operations Sam Petitto has helped him “keep his confidence.”

Aside from a handful of explosive plays conceded, Downs has been a consistent piece in Alabama’s secondary. Downs is the seventh-highest-rated safety in the country, according to Pro Football Focus and a player Saban has continually heaped praise.

On Saturday, Downs reflected on the last 12 months. A year ago, he was a mid-year enrollee, donning a practice jersey for the first time during Alabama’s Sugar Bowl practices. On Monday’s New Year’s Day, Downs will be tasked with slowing down No. 1 Michigan and quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a spot in the College Football Playoff championship.

“I think that’s the way I was raised. My dad is a very disciplined person,” Downs said. ” … My discipline has allowed me to learn the defense at a high level and learn it faster than a lot of people. I definitely think the amount of consistency I have has been a good thing.”

Downs saw it himself during the fourth practice of fall camp. During a team period, Alabama was in Cover 2 and Downs tracked a deep throw. He “Moss’d” the receiver or high-pointed the ball a la Randy Moss and caught it over his teammate’s head. Remembering the play, Downs flashed a smile.

Robinson couldn’t recall that moment, he said, but it didn’t surprise him.

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