Georgia Football: 6 successful Alabama players the Dawgs must contain
. Cameron Latu. . player. 829. .
You may recall the fallout between Alabama tight end Jahleel Billingsley and head coach Nick Saban earlier in the season. In that confrontation, aside from Saban, the winner was Cameron Latu, who found himself thrust into the starting lineup of Bill Obrien’s new offense. Latu has flourished as a result.
It is unusual to focus on Alabama tight end’s given the depth and quality of wide receivers. However, Latu and, to a degree Billingsley, now that he has returned to the locker room, have featured consistently as offensive threats.
Latu, who hails from Salt Lake City, is a redshirt junior, having converted from defensive end during his redshirt year in 2018. At 6’5″, 250-pounds, Latu is certainly a presence in the offensive line and has turned into a regular target in the red zone for starting quarterback Bryce Young.
As we move to SEC Championship week, Latu has 19 receptions for 286 yards and six touchdowns thus far and is featuring more and more as the season develops. Latu has also played special teams in kickoff returns, proving effective.
As was evident during the overtime period in the Iron Bowl, the tight end position can be a valuable outlet for Young in the red zone. Latu broke out this season on the opening game against Miami, where he scored two touchdowns in the first half. Having seized his opportunity in Billingsley’s absence, the big Tight End has never looked back.
On the bright side, for Georgia fans, both tight ends haven’t featured as much as anticipated. In these limited appearances, both Latu and Billingsley have dropped passes or missed assignments showing some vulnerability under pressure.
So this Alabama team shows signs of vulnerability, especially when pressure is applied. Should, as expected, Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs come out of the gate quickly and aggressively, this is likely to knock the Crimson Tide’s confidence. Especially on the offensive line, which has not shown any signs of consistency.
Next. Georgia football: 10 sensational players deserving of these superlatives. dark
It will make for a fascinating game. Regardless of the outcome, this game will be another one for the history books.