Alabama will have a player to shock people this season.
Cameron Latu arrived on campus as an outside linebacker in 2018. After seeing action in two games, the Utah native redshirted the rest of his freshman season. With the growing depth at the position, the Crimson Tide moved Latu over to tight end.
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During the 2019 season, he studied behind Miller Forristall, Jahleel Billingsley, and Major Tennison. Latu would perform well in practices and scrimmages in 2018 and 2019, and he developed his body to where the coaching staff advanced him on the depth chart. Now a redshirt junior, Latu emerged in spring practice.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder dominated scrimmages and recorded a 59-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Young in the A-Day game.
He has become one of Young’s favorite options, and Nick Saban raved about his physicality, athleticism, hands, routes, speed, and blocking abilities. He has done well in fall camp and possesses NFL potential.
According to Brian Robinson Jr., the fifth-year running back said Latu has taken a ‘huge step’ in the tight end room. He is prepared to have a breakout campaign.
“He has been doing a really good job,” Robinson said.
He’s played in 23 games as a tight end, including 12 last year. Latu has done most of his work on special teams; however, he is about to announce himself to college football. Crimson Tide fans are excited to watch him in action.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
