Saban on injured TE Cameron Latu: "He's doing well, 100 percent"
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Alabama football team will be facing a tough road test against Texas this Saturday. In order to position itself to have the most possible success offensively, the Crimson Tide will need as close to an “all hands on deck” status as possible.
The good news is that starting tight end Cameron Latu is expected to return to the field this weekend after being out with a knee injury since the first week of fall camp. Alabama coach Nick Saban confirmed the news during his Wednesday availability with the media.
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“Good. He’s doing well, 100 percent. Runs well, moves well. Practiced quite a bit last week, thought he needed another week of practice,” Saban responded when asked about Latu. “This will be his first game, so it’ll be a little different for him than some of the other guys who got to play last week. But from a health standpoint, we think he’s ready to go.”
Latu was Alabama’s third leading receiver last season in terms of yardage. The former outside linebacker turned tight end hauled in 26 passes for 410 yards and eight scores. Those eight touchdown catches even broke the record for most by a tight end in school history.
At 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, Latu provides a mismatch problem for opposing defenses that quarterback Bryce Young can take advantage of. In fact, getting that type of player on the field can be a significant factor in how Alabama runs its offense.
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“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 last year. “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.”
Right now, it feels like Young has a quality, developing group of wide receivers to throw the football to. Against Utah State, Traeshon Holden, Kobe Prentice and Jermaine Burton all caught five passes each for a combined 165 yards and four touchdowns. Now, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is getting his top tight end back as well.
We’re not sure how much run Latu will get on Saturday, but Saban’s “100 percent” comment is certainly encouraging. Stay tuned for more updates on the tight end’s status as kickoff grows closer.
