Caleb Downs was named Monday as a semifinalist for this year’s Lott IMPACT Trophy as one of the top defensive players in college football.

It’s the second national award Downs is a semifinalist for this season, as he was also recently named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors college football’s best defensive back.

With Downs leading the way, Ohio State’s defense has been the nation’s best in both points and yards allowed per game this season. He has 43 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions in the Buckeyes’ first nine games.

Downs was also a finalist last year for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which recognizes a defensive player who makes an IMPACT on and off the field, with IMPACT standing for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. James Laurinaitis (2008) is Ohio State’s only previous winner of the award.