JC Latham, the newly drafted player in the NFL draft class of 2024, held a press conference in downtown Detroit after being selected. Latham, dressed in a black suit and a Tennessee Titans cap, expressed his desire to have a nickname like Deion Sanders, who is known as Primetime. Considering the importance of the offensive and defensive lines in football, which are often referred to as the “trench,” Latham proclaimed himself as the ruler of the line of scrimmage. He showcased his skills and dominance at IMG Academy and later at the University of Alabama.
During a conversation with Nashville media, Titans general manager Ron Carthon confirmed that Latham would transition to the left tackle position. Latham will have the opportunity to work with Bill Callahan, a highly experienced offensive line coach who has spent over two decades coaching NFL linemen and was most recently with the Cleveland Browns. Analysts and experts have spoken highly of this coaching pairing, envisioning how the Callahans can help develop Latham’s physical attributes and potential.
The last time Latham played left tackle was during his time at IMG Academy, where he was teammates with Tyler Booker. Latham and Booker developed a strong bond, similar to Latham’s relationship with Evan Neal, another former IMG player and Alabama’s previous first-round tackle selection. This bond carried over to their time at Alabama. As Latham moves on to the NFL, he has offered guidance and support to Booker, who is entering his junior year at Alabama and is also considered a top prospect in his position group.
JC Latham, the newly drafted player in the NFL draft class of 2024, spoke highly of his teammate Tyler Booker and offered him advice on enjoying the process of the NFL draft. Latham reflected on his own journey, acknowledging that unexpected losses, such as the one against Michigan, can happen, but it’s important to appreciate the progress made from struggling as a freshman to becoming a top-10 pick in the NFL. Latham encouraged Booker to embrace the process while not rushing it, and he commended Booker for his ability to prioritize the team’s success while also keeping his own goals in mind.
Meanwhile, on the set of ESPN’s CollegeGameDay, Alabama coach Nick Saban analyzed all the first-round picks, including Latham. Saban praised Latham as one of the most powerful players and best leaders he has had on the offensive line at the University of Alabama.
Latham credits his father, Jerome Latham, for instilling in him a mindset of leadership and accountability. He also mentioned the influence of his high school in Wisconsin, where he learned from George Hegamin, a former Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys who is now a staff member at Colorado. Latham acknowledged the impact that Saban had on him, both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of holding people accountable to be a leader.
Jerome Latham believed that their structured approach would help JC succeed and become a first-round pick, a prediction that came true on draft night.
