Alabama football needs to see more from the tight ends
Heading into the year, Alabama football had one of the best tight end prospects in the country. Jahleel Billingsley was a matchup nightmare, and many expected him to be a focal point in the Tide’s offense.
When he was in the dog house, Cameron Latu stepped up as Alabama’s starting tight end. He was also a matchup nightmare, and this was seen as a positive. Once Billingsley was ready to contribute, the Tide would have two receiving tight ends who could torch opposing defenses.
However, the production from these two players has subsided this year. Drops have been a concern. They only have 33 combined catches on the year. Latu is third on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns, but they still haven’t lived up to the hype as a pair.
That might change in the SEC Championship game for a few reasons. First and foremost, Alabama needs extra protection to stop Georgia’s defensive line. Having bigger bodies in the game will allow them to win more in the run game and help chip on blocks. These are things that only tight ends can do, so they should see the field more.
Also, Alabama’s depth at running back is weak. There may be some passing plays where the Tide have no backs on the field. It would make sense to turn to the experienced tight ends in the biggest game of Alabama football’s season.
Alabama needs to avoid a terrible loss in the trenches. With a struggling offensive line, the tight ends should be able to help with that. They also add options to the passing game, which is a good sign for Bryce Young and the Crimson Tide.
To beat Georgia, the entire team needs to step up. Outside of the offensive line, the biggest question mark has been the tight ends on offense this year. We’ll see if they can change the outcome of this game.