Caleb Downs name-drops two-way Colorado football star in statement about playing RB

Caleb Downs wants to play safety, running backs, and return the ball for Ohio State's special teams in 2024, and while explaining his desire to be a two-way star, he referenced Colorado football CB/WR Travis Hunter.

"I definitely take it serious. I'm an elite player with the ball in my hands," Downs said after an August 20 practice (h/t 247Sports). "I would never not believe in myself to do something. I definitely believe that's on the table, but I'm just taking it day by day. The last time I had a rep at running back was at the end of the summer. I wouldn't say I want to play every play (on offense) or anything. If I played on offense, maybe a maximum of 10 snaps a game.

"I have an idea of what it would be like because of high school. I played a lot of plays in high school. But I know it'd be accelerated just because it's college and everybody's better. I played a lot of plays in high school. Travis (Hunter) is doing that at an elite level. I don't think anybody has done that in a while. I commend him for that. He's in elite shape to do it."

Caleb Downs more similar to Travis Hunter's Colorado football teammate

Hunter is the biggest two-way name football has seen in years, but Downs' plan is more similar to redshirt Buffs freshman Isaiah Hardge; a Colorado corner who also played running back this offseason.

Now, Hardge's circumstances are much different than Downs'. Hardge had to step in at RB at the Black and Gold spring game after the entire RB room from last year transferred and Rashad Amos de-committed and went to Ole Miss instead. Ohio State's running back room is already stacked with Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson.

Regardless, Hardge is a better comparison to Downs than Hunter is.