The University of Alabama has had several offensive tackles in the Nick Saban era that produced as juniors and became first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
Marquee names such as Andre Smith, Cam Robinson, Cyrus Kouandjio, Jonah Williams, Jedrick Wills, Alex Leatherwood, and Evan Neal come to mind that dominated up front. Alabama has a new name that has returned for his junior season in the fall.
RELATED: Todd McShay says he’d be ‘scared to death’ of drafting Bryce Young after true height revealed
JC Latham, a Wisconsin native, wants his offensive line to win the Joe Moore Award.
He’s coming after a Southeastern Conference Championship, a College Football Playoff National Championship, and any individual award he can get. As a former five-star from IMG Academy, Latham arrived as the ‘most college ready’ offensive lineman in the 2021 class according to Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Smith, who is the Director of Scouting/Recruiting for TDA, spent a lot of time around Latham. The 6-foot-6, 335-pounder had 29 knockdown blocks in 2022, pacing the Tide to the nation’s No. 4 scoring offense (41.1 ppg) and No. 11 total offense (477.1 ypg). He protected quarterback Bryce Young to 3,328 passing yards and 32 passing touchdowns. Latham cleared the way for Jahmyr Gibbs (926 yards rushing, seven touchdowns) and Jase McClellan (655 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) to have success as running backs.
He allowed two sacks as a right tackle, but Latham may transition to left tackle in spring practice.
Latham has been gaining publicity from multiple outlets, including Pro Football Focus. PFF named him as one of its top players returning to college football. Latham made PFF’s All-Returning Team. He was at his best against Kansas State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, assisting Young to 321 passing yards and five touchdowns. Latham aided the Tide’s rushing attack to 175 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown run from McClellan.
PFF’s 2023 All Returning Team: Offense pic.twitter.com/urvXenkfSG
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 27, 2023
Alabama earned a 45-20 victory over the Wildcats, but Latham wants more.
He is prepared to solidify himself as the next first-round lineman.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
