Redshirt freshman Cameron Latu continued to practice with the tight ends and was wearing an offensive jersey before Saturday’s scrimmage. Alabama lost its top two tight ends from 2018 after the season, leaving the position a bit shorthanded starting spring.
“We do a lot of experimenting in spring to see if there is a guy at a position that might have a better opportunity to contribute at another position,” Saban said earlier this spring. “Obviously losing Hale and Irv, we’ve got some experience issues at tight end and also some depth issues. Having another guy (Kedrick James) suspended for four games next year at that position, I mean, you’re taking three out of the first four guys, so we need to get some people there. We’ve been encouraged by the progress that he’s made at that position.”
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith spent parts of the 2018 spring practice with the defensive backs before returning to offense.
Alabama currently has four scholarship tight ends this spring; Latu would be the fifth. Signee Jahleel Billingsley will arrive this summer and could make six tight ends, depending on whether Latu remains there.
“People forget, he came in as a five-star athlete, outside linebacker,” said tight end Miller Forristall. “He’s going to be really good at whatever he does. I think he can play tight end, he can play outside linebacker. I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed at tight end, because he’s going to be really good no matter what he does. Whether that be outside linebacker or tight end, he’s going to be great. He’s transitioned into the (tight end) room, really good guy. I love having him in there. It’s been a pleasure.”
