Some were surprised Monday when senior tight end Cameron Latu was not a starter on Alabama’s depth chart.
He sustained a minor knee injury in preseason camp and missed practice time. Coach Nick Saban told reporters the injury was nothing serious, but he did say Latu would be day-to-day. The 6-foot-5, 244-pounder set the Crimson Tide’s single-season school record for touchdowns by a tight end (eight) in 2021. Latu is one of 12 players for Alabama on the Senior Bowl watchlist.
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He has a chance to be a high-round draft pick, but Latu will not start Saturday against Utah State. As Latu is working his way back, Robbie Ouzts is the starter. He arrived on campus in the 2021 class as a three-star from South Carolina. Ouzts was not known for his pass-catching in high school. He totaled 43 receptions for 619 yards in his final two years at Rock Hill High School.
Ouzts developed a role as an exceptional goalline blocker last year.
Before suffering a foot injury, he assisted Brian Robinson with several rushing touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 258-pounder made strides as a receiver in spring practice. He built off those efforts in preseason camp and is building chemistry with Bryce Young. Ouzts can grow into a weapon in the passing game, but the Tide signed two freshmen in the 2022 class people are excited about.
Amari Niblack and Danny Lewis Jr. are vertical pass-catching tight ends.
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Niblack, who wears No. 84, arrived as a four-star from St. Petersburgh, Fla. He can play as an inline blocker, an inline pass catcher, or an outside wide receiver. During his tenure at Lakewood High School, Niblack excelled in routes, separating from defenders, having good speed, reading openings in coverage, and shielding the ball with his body. He can high-point balls away from defensive backs, brings leaping abilities, and is a red zone target. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder gives Bryce Young an extra receiver.
Lewis, who wears No. 87, came as a three-star from Louisiana. Lewis is bigger than Niblack at 6’5″ and 255 pounds, but he can also line up as a receiver. He played in the slot and outside for Westgate High School. Lewis is a strong blocker, imposing red zone target, and he can high-point passes. He does not possess the speed or separation abilities as Niblack, but Lewis is talented.
Miles Kitselman, a transfer from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, is a blocking tight end.
He is working on becoming a threat in the passing game, but his expertise is physicality. Niblack is potentially the best option of the four in the passing game for Alabama. He gives the Tide a playmaking threat with Latu out for now.
We will see who steps up against the Aggies.
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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 “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
