The Alabama Crimson Tide are SEC Champions and headed to the College Football Playoff.

Two of their young freshmen are big reasons why. The SEC announced the all-freshmen team on Thursday and both safety Caleb Downs and left tackle Kadyn Proctor were honored by being named to the list.

https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL/status/1732858059167338568

Downs was also named as the SEC freshman of the year.

Seen as one of the top prospects in the nation coming out of Mill Creek, Georgia, Downs lived up to the billing this year as one of the best players on the defense from day one. After a phenomenal spring where he was seen as an early contributor, Downs ended up being a critical piece of an Alabama secondary that is among the best in the country.

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Downs was also named to the first-team all-SEC defense along with teammates Justin Eboigbe, Dallas Turner, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Terrion Arnold.

For Proctor, it took him a little bit more time to come along, as he struggled early on. But as the offensive line as a unit came along, so did Proctor himself, improving greatly towards the end of the season and living up to his 5-star status.

Both players will be huge contributors when Alabama faces Michigan in the Rose Bowl on January 1st — with a chance to head to the national championship.