Feature: Downs Prefers To Stay Anonymous
9/27/2011 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 27, 2011
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By Vince Barnaba, Maryland Athletics Media Relations
Printed in the Maryland Gameday Program - Sept. 24
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Long snappers are typically unknown until they make a mistake.
So Tim Downs, a senior long snapper for the Maryland football team, would prefer to stay anonymous to Terrapin fans.
The University of Maryland has been excellent on special teams. Downs is a large part of Maryland's proficiency and looks to carry it on through consistent play. As a unit, Maryland hasn't had a punt blocked since 1999 - a stretch of 139 games and the longest streak in the nation. Downs understands he plays a quiet role in the success and looks to continue the string.
Downs learned the anonymous duty of long-snapping in high school.
"I started doing it in ninth grade, but I played other positions as well. I just did long-snapping because they needed someone to do it," said Downs.
It wasn't until his junior year of high school when he realized his new-found skill could provide an opportunity to play college football. Downs' work ethic and consistent play have helped him become the player he is today. His father, Roger, helped him practice in high school and motivated him to improve to be the best player possible.
"When I started attempting to long snap we would go out in the yard and practice," said Downs. "I would ask him `How was that?' He would say that it was okay. I took that as I didn't want to be just okay at this, I wanted to get really good at it."
The drive to consistently get better is what has made Downs such a consistent long snapper. As he improved, his dad had to buy gloves because of how fast Downs was able to snap the ball. Once he even broke his dad's finger as he was catching one of his snaps.
Aside from reps, Downs attributes his success to the other specialists and watching film.
"I've always taken long-snapping seriously since I have been at Maryland," said Downs. "Since my redshirt sophomore year when I first started, I have watched film as often as possible to figure everything out. It's my job and it's what is paying for my education."
This work ethic comes because Downs views himself as just another member of the team, even if most people will never hear his name or give him the credit he deserves.
"I kind of like people overlooking me. I might just be the long snapper, but every time we kick a field goal or extra point, that's not possible without me. I'm on the team and do the lifting and workouts just like everyone else. I like being one of the hidden guys though," Downs said.
As a reward for his hard work, Downs was awarded an athletic scholarship prior to this season.
"I think Tim carries on the tradition of special-teams excellence," said offensive lineman Josh Cary, a close friend of Downs. "He is one of the best long snappers out there. I am on the field-goal unit with him. He does a great job of getting us into the mindset that we need for that play."
Maryland's success on special teams has allowed some to acknowledge Downs and the great job that he does.
"I think that special teams are a priority here at Maryland," said Downs. "Every time that the special teams unit comes out, Johnny Holliday says over the radio `Tim Downs to snap the ball.' I think there is a different sense here. Over the past couple of years there have been a few kickers and punters here but it has been all business. We don't goof around at all."
Jon Condo, Maryland's long snapper from 2001 to 2004, is now in the same role for the Oakland Raiders and made the Pro Bowl during the 2009 season. Former special-teams player LaQuan Williams is currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens. These players represent the legacy of Maryland special teams.
With his college career winding down, Downs has high goals set for the remainder of the season. After the win over Miami, he is aiming for the ACC Championship game. After this season, he says he would like to play in the NFL. If that doesn't work out, he does have other career aspirations.
"I would like to give the NFL a shot," he said. "People have told me that I'm good enough to do it. I understand that if that doesn't work out though that I wasn't meant for it. I'm interested in working for a government agency like the DEA or FBI. With how close College Park is to Washington, D.C., it attracted me to law enforcement."
As Downs winds down his college career, he says he will miss the brotherhood he shares with his teammates.
Even if they're getting most of the attention.
