Ohio State Buckeyes New DC Might Change Caleb Downs' Position

The Ohio State Buckeyes might be changing up the position of the best defensive player in college football.

No one should fret, though, because it isn't going to be a permanent change, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia didn't give much clarity on how often it will be used. But, he did let fans know that the team has been experimenting with having Caleb Downs in the nickel cornerback formation to allow a new safety duo to get some reps together. It could help his draft stock as well if he can be an even more versatile player for defenses at the NFL level.

If this is going to be used in a game is a completely different discussion, but the most certain thing is that Downs could likely thrive at any position on that side of the ball. In numerous rankings over the last few months, Downs has consistently found himself ranked as the best defender in college football, while teammate wide receiver Jeremiah Smith typically takes the top spot of the best overall player.

That said, here's a video of what Patricia said exactly and how that change could be good for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season.