JC Latham Talks Evan Neal Influence, Highlights Leaders on Team

JC Latham, sophomore offensive lineman for the Crimson Tide, joined The Martin Houston Show this week to discuss the upcoming season as well as the impact that one former Alabama star left on him.

Latham, who enters his sophomore season in 2022, spent most of his freshman season as a reserve player, seeing time on special teams for the first part of the year before moving into the guard rotation for the Tide's final few games.

While he saw the most time at guard in 2021, Latham is expected to eventually play tackle, and opened up on the impact of possibly the Tide's top tackle in program history, Evan Neal.

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Latham spoke highly of his former teammate, saying, "[Neal] showed me a lot and I'm grateful to have had him as a mentor, teammate and friend," the young lineman continued, "His will to play was just unmatched by a lot of people (...) He knew he could be one of the best players in the country at his position."

"He stayed focused and kept working which led him to be a top draft pick, so it's just understanding that and understanding that we're in the best position we can be, but what we're gonna take away from it is on us," Latham said.

Diving into which of his teammates have worked to fill the void left by Neal this offseason, Latham mentioned all of his fellow lineman, highlighting the attitude of each member of Alabama's front, "We all try to lead one another. Some lead with their actions and some lead with their words," Latham continued, "When it comes to leading, we collectively do it together as a group."

The Crimson Tide offensive line will be tasked with replacing both starting tackles from last year's team in Neal and Chris Owens. Vanderbilt transfer Tyler Steen is expected to compete for a starting job, but many questions still remain as to who could fill the other role.

Latham's full interview can be found here. Make sure to tune in weekdays for The Martin Houston Show from 6:00-7:00 a.m.