Downer out of CHSFL state champions Cardinal Hayes is another OLB/SS hybrid player who is coming to Pace. Downer skillset excels when he is able to play in space more as a nickel corner or box safety. He is quick and has good bend which is often showcased on his successful reps as a blitzer. A versatile defender who has movement skills and size.

This Cardinal Hayes defense has put the pieces together at the right time. Another successful week on the defensive side of the ball and Gio Downer was all over the field once again. The hard hitting senior continuously made plays for Hayes. Downer had a big game against Archbishop Stepinac at outside linebacker. He chased down the ball carrier multiple times and came away with key tackles. Downer did a great job at shedding blocks and getting in on tackles. While some of his hits were flashy in this one, his pass coverage ability against slot receivers is very good. This whole Hayes unit played very well and Downer has proven to be a great leader.

One of the leaders of this Cardinal Hayes defense and one of the top defensive backs in New York City. I can confidently say that Downer is one of the best tackling defensive backs in the state. He comes downhill fast and makes terrific plays on runners. I saw him this summer at 7v7’s, Downer is a leader and was very steady in pass coverage

One of the top safeties in all of New York. Downer has good size, speed and instincts. He was a leader for a Cardinal Hayes defense that had so much success, especially in pool play. I was impressed with how well Downer read the quarterback and how fast he was able to get to receivers. Even when the QB didn’t put a lot of air under his passes, Downer was still able to get to a side of the field and deliver excellent defense. He did a good job when he had to go against slot receivers and Downer

The lone New Yorker to make today’s list, Downer did a nice job representing the BX Borough. Listed as a cornerback on his registration form, I mistook him as a safety. My assumption that he played safety is because of his size (5’11” 195lbs). That said, I observed a strong ability to change direction fluidly and with ease from the senior defensive back. Downer flipped his hips well and could open and run with ease.

Giovanni Downer Giovanni Downer 6'1" | 195 lbs | DB Cardinal Hayes | 2024 State NY is a very versatile player who played a little bit of everything on defense for Cardinal Hayes. Downer is a playmaker around the LOS and his best positioning could be in the slot. He is a really solid tackler and very instinctive in the run game. His ability to diagnose plays and attack the ball without hesitation is his best trait. In coverage, Downer is a physical player in his coverage and can get handsy but does a solid job of mirroring his man. Downer is probably the best run defender on this list but his coverage could use some more development. His size and frame make him a really solid option to play slot corner or star position as a floating safety at the next level.

Giovanni Downer Giovanni Downer 6'1" | 195 lbs | DB Cardinal Hayes | 2024 State NY is one of the most athletic defensive backs in this class. Downers has great strength for a defensive back and his positional versatility comes from his ability to compete with any style of athlete across the LOS. Downer is a physical presence who offers a strong ability to impact the run game using really solid instincts and ability to contain the edge. In coverage, Downer is solid and does a really good job of staying in stride with receivers. Downer is also really physical at the LOS and does a good job in press coverage of disrupting the receivers release off the snap.