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PBR: Why did you choose the school you did?
DOWNS: The second I stepped onto campus, it was easy for me to picture myself becoming a Cardinal. Aside from the top-notch facilities, I was highly impressed with the “blue collar” mentality that every single student-athlete possessed. I greatly appreciated the amount of hard work each coach and athlete put into the program. In addition, I was excited to see how the baseball players’ schedules were set up.  After speaking with the training staff and the academic advisors, the picture became clear and I began to see what’s in store for my future career academically and athletically.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
DOWNS: Arkansas, Mississippi State, Iowa, South Carolina, Auburn, LSU, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss. 

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
DOWNS: In July of 2017, I participated in a PBR Showcase at the University of Iowa. From there, Rob Allison gave my name to Louisville’s recruiting coach. After several phone calls, I was invited to attend their camp as well as an informal visit. The University of Louisville coaching staff first saw me in person in January of 2018 at their prospect camp.  During that weekend, I was able to speak with and play baseball with the coaches. After my verbal commitment to U of L, I’ve had more phone calls with the coaching staff to further develop our relationship. 

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
DOWNS: Yes, I am relieved that the process is over. Now, I can really focus on my academics and achieving my goals on the baseball field. There is always something to improve on; now I have more time to do that.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
DOWNS: I was able to visit the campus, see everything, and meet everyone.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
DOWNS: I have had many coaches throughout my childhood that have helped me excel to where I am today. But, I would have to say my parents are the biggest reason for where I am today and all that I have been able to accomplish. They’ve always supported my dreams/goals and have provided me with the necessary tools to succeed. I am so grateful for the coaches, family, and friends that have been there for me throughout this journey so far. I can’t thank any of them enough.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
DOWNS: In the beginning, I had a few schools interested; I had received two offers. It wasn’t until after my performance at the PBR Future Games (Indianapolis) in August 2018 that I really started to deal with recruitment. The recruiting process is relatively easy. However, it was difficult figuring out how to balance school and football in addition to making an extensive amount of phone calls.  It took some getting used to, but it’s all a part of the process. 

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
DOWNS: I just have to come in and play hard to earn a spot. Nothing is ever final and I’m going to have to keep fighting for everything. Like I said, there is always room for improvement, so I have to show up each day and give it my all. They did say I maybe have a chance at coming in and starting as a freshman.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
DOWNS: Receiving MVP of the 2018 PBR Futures Games.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
DOWNS: Kendall Diggs.