There were moments when Ohio State thought Downs — who spent his first season at Alabama — needed to help at running back because of a lack of depth.

His ability to move around the field instead benefited the Buckeyes’ defense.

According to Pro Football Focus, Downs has logged 878 snaps this season, including 346 at free safety. However, he spent another 289 snaps in the box.

The popular football analysis site credits Downs with 135 snaps at various linebacker positions.

While that isn’t his position, it’s a testament to how Knowles uses him in different spots on the field.

“I feel like when you have me in the post, I can make plays,” Downs said. “If you have me as a man, I can make plays. If you have me in the box, I can make plays. For me it doesn’t really matter.”

Jordan Hancock helped make things easier.

Traditionally, Downs played safety while Hancock served as the third cornerback. However, Hancock has seen his snaps at free safety increase.

In a Week 9 win over Nebraska, Hancock played 26 snaps at free safety in the absence of starting safety Lathan Ransom. His reps at the position declined before the College Football Playoff.

He logged 39 snaps at free safety in a first-round win over Tennessee. His season high rose to 40 in a Rose Bowl win over Oregon on Jan. 1.

“It gives us a lot of different looks,” Hancock said. “I can pass in the man-play zone. It gives the defense a completely different look. There are a lot of things I can do on defense. That’s what Coach Knowles did for me on defense.”

Ohio State’s next opponent – Texas in Friday’s Cotton Bowl in the CFP semifinals – will test the Buckeyes’ defense.

However, because of Downs and Hancock’s versatility, the Buckeyes are preferred to slow down an explosive unit.

“The fact that Caleb, Jordan and Lathan can move like that makes them versatile,” Kelly said. “I think they can present some different pictures for quarterbacks and some other teams.”