Cameron Latu evaluates Alabama tight end room after offseason additions

Alabama’s tight end room has been a talking point for several seasons, particularly given the number of first-round talents coming out of the program at other positions. After emerging as the leader in the tight end room last season following a position change from linebacker, Cameron Latu provides the only significant returning production at the position.

During an interview with BamaCentral during the Nike Football Skills Camp in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, Cameron Latu expressed his faith in the tight end room.

“I feel like these guys came in, and they’re ready to work,” Latu said. “They’re busting their butts right now, and they’re really putting in the work. I ain’t going to lie, people are going to be really surprised by how much talent we got in this unit. I know we’re excited to show them.”

After a recruiting flip from Jaleel Skinner and transfer by Jahleel Billingsley, the Crimson Tide sought tight end help this offseason. They ended up landing junior college transfer Miles Kitselman, alongside freshmen Elijah Brown, Danny Lewis and Amari Niblack.

The ability for the group to contribute early could prove to be what separates the Alabama offense, which already returns Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and adds several transfers at skill positions.

Bryce Young must evolve in 2022

Even though Bryce Young is viewed as a proven commodity – On3’s JD PicKell ranks him as the top quarterback in the nation entering 2022 – he still needs to show that he is capable of evolving and adapting his game if Alabama wants to return to contending for a national championship next season.

“At number one, the most proven commodity, he’s got the Heisman Trophy somewhere on his mantel in his apartment in Tuscaloosa, Bryce Young,” PicKell said. “What will he do for an encore? The scouting report on him: Makes amazing decisions, is extremely poised even when things are going crazy all around him, even when he’s on the run, he’s making laterals left and right. He still looks just the definition of calm.

“I love the way that he commands his offense, throws the ball downfield very effectively. He’s gonna have new weapons around him. No more Jameson Williams, no more John Metchie. They’re still going to have dudes. He has Jahmyr Gibbs lined up next to him now, he can hand the ball to.”

In 15 games last season, Young completed 66.9% of his passes for 4,872 yards, 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions