Why did JC Latham not move to left tackle for his junior season?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – With Tyler Steen moving on after one season at Alabama, many believed JC Latham would make the move from right tackle over to left tackle for his junior season.
But that didn’t happen.
Latham has now started 20 straight games at right tackle, including all seven this year, while the Crimson Tide has used a rotation of Kadyn Proctor, a true freshman, and Elijah Pritchett at left tackle. On Monday, Nick Saban was asked why Latham never made the switch.
“I guess you always hope that if we move the right tackle to left tackle, that would make everything better,” Saban said. “But I guess the question you also have to ask yourself is would that make us any better at right tackle? Or do you just try to attack the solution of trying to get the left tackle to play to the standard that you need him to play, without making multiple changes to the offensive line. We can have a debate about that.
“Nobody really knows the answer to that. But we have made a commitment to try to keep some stability with the guys where they’re playing, and get the guys to play left tackle better.”
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Through the first seven games, Alabama’s pass protection has been suspect this year, allowing 31 sacks and 71 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Proctor, who has opened all seven contests as the starting left tackle is responsible for seven sacks and 18 pressures, both of which are team-highs. Latham has only allowed one sack and five pressures this season.
Latham is coming off a game against Arkansas in which he was named one of the players of the week by the Alabama coaches – his second such honor of the season (Mississippi State). In the 24-21 win, Latham did not allow a sack, hit or hurry, according to the Tide’s grading.
“He’s really a good right tackle,” Saban said. “He’s played really well, obviously, being SEC offensive lineman of the week. He had a really good game in the last game. He’s big, strong, physical. He’s the prototype right tackle that everybody would look for in terms of having a power guy who is effective in being able to pass block well enough.”
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