Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class produced four NFL Draft picks, including one that finished at a different Southeastern Conference school.
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Bryce Young and Will Anderson were selected at Nos. 1 and 3 in the draft while Brian Branch was taken at No. 45 overall in the second round of the venue. Drew Sanders, a former five-star, transferred from Alabama to Arkansas. The talented linebacker heard his name called in the third round of the draft by the Denver Broncos. Jah-Marien Latham, a former four-star via Pickens High School, was one of the top in-state prospects in the 2020 class. He is an undersized defensive lineman, but Latham brought quickness to the Tornadoes. Michael Williams, a former three-time BCS National Champion for Alabama, prepared Latham at Pickens County to become a star; however, it has taken time for him to grow into the player he is now to be impactful.
The 6-foot-3, 275-pounder has played in 17 games, including 12 last season.
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He was on Alabama’s College Football Playoff National Championship squad in 2020. On Monday, Nick Saban highlighted Latham as someone who is now ready to be a marquee contributor on the defensive line.
“He has done a good job,” Saban said about Latham. “He has been hurt a little bit on and off since he’s been here, but he has gotten bigger and stronger. He is a very good athlete. I think he is more confident, in terms of learning the defense, making fewer mental errors, and I think it is important to him. He has shown a lot of maturity in the way he has progressed.”
Kevin Steele, Alabama’s defensive coordinator, spoke highly of Latham during the team’s media day on August 6.
“The guy is strong,” Steele said. “He’s got a great work ethic, and nothing seems to bother him.”
He has waited his time, but now Latham is prepared for the moment.
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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.
