Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham will enter NFL Draft

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham will enter NFL Draft

Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham has declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season. Latham announced the news in a social media post Wednesday evening.

Latham started every game at right tackle for the Crimson Tide over the past two seasons.

“I will always be thankful to coach Saban and his staff for their commitment to developing me into the best version of myself both on and off the field,” Latham said in a message posted to his Instagram account. “My teammates and I have built bond that will last a lifetime and it’s been the greatest honor of my life taking the field with them for the past 3 years.”

Latham was named a second-team all-American by four of the five lists recognized by the NCAA. He joined outside linebacker Dallas Turner in announcing his intentions to move on to the professional level.

He joined the Crimson Tide as a five-star prospect from IMG Academy. The 6-foot-6, 360-pound Latham made good on that ranking, becoming perhaps Alabama’s best offensive lineman during his tenure in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama saw a flurry of roster activity on Wednesday, with players entering the transfer portal following the end of the season. Some will stay put though, as Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive lineman Tim Smith are likely to return to Tuscaloosa in lieu of going pro next season.

Other players who will face a decision over whether to go pro are cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry.

The Tide fell in overtime to Michigan in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Monday. Alabama finished the season 12-2, winning the SEC championship over Georgia.