Alabama has an offensive lineman that refuses to back down from the expectations he’s set for himself.
JC Latham, a junior, expressed at SEC Football Media Days about he looks for the Crimson Tide to go undefeated, win a College Football Playoff National Championship, the offensive line to capture the Joe Moore Award, and him to win the Outland Trophy.
RELATED: JC Latham respects Georgia’s standard, but says it is not above Alabama’s
The former five-star has taken on the physical task of the job by adding weight.
Latham, who stands at 6-foot-6, added 25 pounds of healthy weight and muscle, going from 335 to 360 pounds. He shared a photo to social media of his weight gain and explained Monday about how it helps him. Latham wants to be in the best shape to dominate elite edge rushers in the Southeastern Conference and the nation.
“It was for me personally,” Latham said about the decision to add muscle. “I am a team-oriented player. I want the team to succeed in all aspects, but I know my career won’t end at Alabama. There will be teams down the line once I leave here that I want to be an addition to, and guys like Will Anderson that I want to see again. So I’ve come with something else added to my game.”
RELATED: JC Latham excited about OL Kadyn Proctor’s potential as a starter for Alabama
Latham wants to make sure he is keeping pass rushers away from the quarterback and opening opportunities in the rushing attack. He has a chance to see Anderson again, especially if he performs well in the fall. Latham could be a high-end pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The decision to add weight and his leadership mentality make Latham an elite player.
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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.
