Alabama Football: Cameron Latu back in action

Alabama football has a lot of weapons, but tight end Cameron Latu will be one of the most critical pieces of the offense this season.

The senior missed the first game of the season, as he was rehabbing an injury and had missed substantial practice time. Despite the Crimson Tide offense posting 55 points, there was a visible deficit in Latu’s absence. Alabama football could not establish an impactful tight end target in the passing game.

Junior college transfer Miles Kitselman did make two catches for 18 yards, but starter Robbie Ouzts did not register a reception. The wide receivers and running backs were able to pick up the slack, but Latu should make a big difference when he is inserted into the lineup.

Entering the 2022 season, Cameron Latu was the leading returning receiver for Alabama football. He came to Tuscaloosa as a highly touted outside linebacker in 2018 before making the switch to tight end. Latu spent two years as a reserve before getting an opportunity to contribute in 2021. Many expected Jahleel Billingsley to have a breakout year at the position, but off-field issues relegated him to the bench to start the season.

Cameron Latu was thrust into the starting lineup, and did not disappoint. He caught two touchdown passes in the season opening win over Miami and never relinquished the starting position. Latu went on to catch 26 passes for 410 yards on the year. While he is often regarded as a possession receiver, he has deceptive speed and averaged nearly 16 yards per catch, a very impressive feat for a tight end.

More importantly, he was an end-zone magnet. By season’s end, Latu had set an Alabama football record by catching eight touchdown passes from the tight end position. If he can improve on his production this season, he will likely be a Mackey Award finalist and one of the first tight ends off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cameron Latu will provide Bryce Young with another big, chain-moving target. Young will certainly look for him on third downs, when Alabama is in the red zone, and whenever plays begin to break down. Look for him to be highly impactful against the Longhorns this week.