Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters Monday that he ‘loves’ the attitude of this offensive line.
They may not have the experience, but Saban loves the size, toughness, and physicality of this group. He believes the Crimson Tide will be more powerful and nasty up front next fall. The leader of this potentially dominant front is junior JC Latham.
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He came to the Tide as a five-star from IMG Academy in the 2021 class. Latham was the most “college ready” offensive lineman, according to Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Latham showed the skill set last year as a right tackle, allowing only one sack. He protected Bryce Young to 3,328 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes. Jahmyr Gibbs and Jase McClellan carried the ball over 100 times. Latham cleared the way for both players to record 500+ rushing yards and seven touchdowns. On Wednesday, the imposing lineman laid out the expectation he has for this year’s offensive line.
“I want us to be ruthless,” Latham said. “I want guys, every time that we line up and get ready to hike the ball, to be scared of us.”
Alabama had an elite offensive line in 2020, and it allowed for Mac Jones, Najee Harris, and DeVonta Smith to become Heisman finalists. The protection from the line helped Smith total 23 touchdowns, en route to becoming the first Tide wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy. Alabama’s dominance up front guided the team to an undefeated national championship.
Latham wants to restore the pure dominance that fans missed seeing upfront.
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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.
