New DC to stay at Georgia could have an impact on the Alabama star’s future

Travaris Robinson, the new Georgia defensive coordinator, had a busy few days following the retirement announcement of renowned Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

That attitude was, of course, shared by much of the collegiate football world, but few outside of new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer understood Robinson’s situation.

Robinson took over at UGA shortly after Saban retired. He previously coached Alabama’s cornerbacks and was regarded as one of the Crimson Tide’s top recruiters.

To DeBoer’s credit, when he was hired as Alabama’s head coach, he immediately summoned Robinson back to Tuscaloosa to see if the young coach would stay with the Tide as his new defensive coordinator. Robinson will continue to lead UGA’s defense alongside Kirby Smart, according to ESPN’s Chris Low, despite DeBoer’s interest.

That’s a major victory for Georgia, and Alabama’s loss of Robinson cannot be underestimated. Keeping a coach and recruiter with Robinson’s skill set would have been a huge assistance to DeBoer as he adjusts to life in Tuscaloosa.

According to ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren, Robinson may have also helped Alabama retain top safety Caleb Downs, who has yet to determine whether he will return to Alabama following Saban’s retirement.

With Robinson staying at Georgia, it appears that Downs may leave Alabama.

That would be a significant blow for the Crimson Tide.

Downs, a former five-star safety recruit, was named SEC Freshman of the Year by conference coaches after recording 107 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions for the Tide this season.

Notably, Robinson was a main recruiter for Downs at Alabama, and the athletic safety attended Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Georgia. In fact, Downs was the top 2023 recruit from Georgia.

If he does leave Alabama, it will be intriguing to observe how Robinson’s new job with the Bulldogs affects Downs’ next steps.