Nick Saban calls Billingsley, Latu duo 'real assets' for Alabama's offense
Alabama has fielded several good tight ends during the Nick Saban era. Whether it was Michael Williams, O.J. Howard, Irv Smith Jr. or a slew of other guys, that position has treated the Crimson Tide well.
Four games into the 2021 season, it feels like Alabama might have its best 1-2 punch at tight end, if not ever than at least in the Saban era. Jahleel Billingsley and Cameron Latu have both grown in top contributors for the Crimson Tide.
That notion was on display against Southern Miss on Saturday night.
During Alabama’s 63-14 win against the Golden Eagles, the combination of Billingsley and Latu hauled in eight catches for 162 yards and three scores. That now makes six touchdowns in four games for the tight end duo.
The importance of having quality play at that position cannot be overstated. In fact, Saban talked about it during the postgame press conference following the win. When asked about having two tight ends in the passing game, here’s what he had to say:
“I think that having tight ends that are capable of making plays — I’ve always said this, you’ve heard me say it before — that tight ends are one of the best mismatch players that you can have on the field,” Saban told reporters. “because the people covering them aren’t always the best guy. Sometimes, they’re linebackers, sometimes a safety. So, when you have guys that are capable of making plays in the passing game, I think it’s a huge asset to the offense.
“Cam (Latu) has really come a long ways, He’s got a lot of confidence, he’s blocking well, doesn’t make many mental errors, has really done a great job of catching the football, he’s always had really good hands. But I think his confidence really improved and he continues to make plays. I think it’s important to us that those two guys (Latu and Billingsley) are a big part of our offense.”
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Billingsley and Latu are two different types of tight ends.
At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Billingsley isn’t going to be a guy you want playing inline often. But his size and athleticism does allow him to be a good move tight end, playing as an H-back, big slot and even perimeter receiver.
Latu is taller at 6-5, but he’s also a lot heavier at 250 pounds. Like Billingsley, he can split out wide as a receiver, but he also has the ability to line up as a traditional, inline tight end. So far, he’s displayed a knack for quality blocking and catching touchdowns.
Of the six touchdowns caught from Alabama tight ends, Latu has brought in four of them. We kept hearing about his connection, especially in the red zone, with quarterback Bryce Young throughout the spring, summer and even into fall camp.
Now, it’s translated to the field on Saturdays.
Alabama’s defense may have its own issues covering tight ends, but so will every opposing defense that comes face-to-face with this Crimson Tide duo.
