The aftermath of JC Latham’s final Alabama play at the NFL Combine
All heads turned to watch the ball glide toward Jalen Milroe once more. A wide receiver appeared perplexed. A play on fourth down was unsuccessful. The season was over. JC Latham remained down while the cameras followed Michigan’s jubilation.
After spotting Latham writhing under the confetti, two Alabama employees dashed through traffic to get to UA’s starting right tackle.
On the final play of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl, Latham got entangled in a dog pile. With a sprained high ankle, he hobbled into the locker room, pausing only to take off his pads and strike up a conversation with a few Wolverines who hurried over to say hello.
Latham is still coping with the aftermath from what he saw as a self-inflicted misstep at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
My largest area for growth is the mental element. For instance, during the third quarter of the Michigan game, we ran a counter, and I was on the front side of the counter.
As you know, you have to take the man outside, so he can’t work a double team when you go with a man on and a man outside.
I took it up and performed the play. Subsequently, on the final play of the match, I failed to pick up the same man outside and on the front side counter. It escaped my notice, Latham remarked.
For next month’s draft, the lineman is expected to be selected in the first round. His mocking has reached as high as fifth overall, where the Los Angeles Chargers now hold the pick.
Latham is aware that he must respond if he is able to play left tackle, a position that is highly prized for guarding right-handed quarterbacks’ blindside. But Latham’s left ankle might make that procedure more difficult.
Latham won’t be taking part in agility drills like the 40-yard sprint or shuttle drill on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium; instead, he will engage in positional drills in front of head coaches and general managers.
On March 20, Alabama’s pro day, Latham didn’t seem hopeful that he would. This was particularly significant for Latham’s previous teammate, Kol-Aid McKinstry, as medical professionals had determined that McKinstry had a Jones fracture in his right foot, which prevented him from participating in on-field exercises in Indianapolis.
Latham wouldn’t have time to learn any sprinting skills, but he also doesn’t want to aggravate the condition. Draft-eligible players frequently train for specialized exams that they might not necessarily take during a season.
I want to demonstrate my mobility and outward appearance. In order to demonstrate my versatility, I’m waiting to see whether I’m asked to perform any tasks while in a left tackle stance, Latham stated.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham speaks at a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. (Photo by Michael Conroy for AP)
Paris Johnson of Ohio State was the first tackle Arizona selected in the previous year’s selection. When he first entered the pros as a rookie, he played left tackle for the Buckeyes before switching to right tackle and starting every game.
Chicago selected Tennessee’s Darnell Wright, who was selected four picks behind Johnson, at right tackle in 27 of his 42 NCAA games.
Latham adopted the reputation of the Trench King in high school after switching from defensive tackle to offensive line.
Latham has given up two sacks and 21 pressures in the last 960 pass-blocking snaps during the last two years. He will finally be able to fulfill his lifetime dream of playing in the NFL in Detroit next month.
