Alabama tight end Cameron Latu catches a touchdown pass over Mississippi’s Ladarius Tennison in the first half of a game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022 Thomas Graning Associated Press
Cameron Latu made his mark in Utah as a star linebacker and defensive end at Olympus High. He chose to attend college at the University of Alabama, where he transitioned to tight end and caught passes from Bryce Young, who finished first overall in the 2023 NFL draft.
Now Latu’s own NFL dreams are coming true. The 6-foot-4, 242-pound tight end was picked by the San Francisco 49ers with the No. 101 in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
In the NFL, Latu is expected to develop his pass catching and blocking skills, which were already good enough in Alabama to make him a two-year starter.
Latu averaged 14.1 yards per catch during his collegiate career and recorded 12 total touchdowns and 787 receiving yards. In 2021, he broke Irv Smith Jr.’s school record for touchdown catches in a season with a close finish.
Latu grew up playing a variety of sports, including rugby, in northern Minnesota before moving to Utah. In addition to football, he wrestled and played club rugby at Olympus High.
Indianapolis. | Paul Sancya, Associated Press” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fZVHaP.Z7NBWGVRWetouZg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs.com/en /deseret_news_992/3260beca75423d8c9542712443643619″/>Alabama’s Cameron Latu reacts after catching a touchdown pass in the second half of the College Football Playoff Championship football game against Georgia on Monday, January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis. | Paul Sancya, Associated Press
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, November 5, 2022. | Tyler Kaufman, Associated Press
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, November 5, 2022. | Tyler Kaufman, Associated Press
Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks celebrates a touchdown with running back Jase McClellan and tight end Cameron Latu during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi Saturday November 12, 2022. Alabama won 30- 24. | Thomas Graning, Associated Press
Alabama tight end Cameron Latu (81) rushes with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, Saturday November 12, 2022. Alabama won 30-24. | Thomas Graning, Associated Press
What NFL Draft Experts Said About Cameron Latu
“Latu has an average size/speed profile and needs to improve as a blocker, but his rising confidence and smooth passing abilities make him a reliable chain mover. He should be fighting for a backup role as an NFL rookie with eventual low-end starting potential. Dane Brugler, The Athletic
“Latu’s slender legs and boxy physique aren’t made for blocking or countering larger players, but he does a good job of maintaining movement blocks in space. He changes route speed to open throwing windows above the first two levels. There are some issues with losing focus at times, but he plucks shots with good hand extension when possible. – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Latu does a good job of catching on the run and transitioning up quickly, but he’s picking up erratically in traffic and doesn’t show second gear as a runner after catching. He takes good angles as a blocker and gets into a solid position as an inline blocker. He’s not a strong finisher in the running game and struggles to last when forced to stay in pass protection for too long. — ESPN draft team
The story goes on
What experts say about the selection
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes Latu will be able to “make a contribution right away” and offer valuable support to 49ers star George Kittle. “At Latu, the Niners hope they finally have the player who can give Kittle an occasional breather, offer more options in two tight sets and maybe become a replacement for the all-rounder Kittle,” he wrote.
Similarly, SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta said Latu will offer depth, but he also noted that the wow factor might not be there.
Latu is a “solid, dependable tight end that won’t excite you in any aspect of the game, but will add depth to the Niners,” he wrote.
Other draft analysts were more critical of the 49ers’ pick. Pro Football Focus, for example, highlighted Latus’ lack of production last season.
“Latu comes off a season in which he posted a 60.6 receiving PFF score, a 50.0 run blocking score and a low 1.03 yards per distance run. He has the size that teams are looking for at the position, but the production just wasn’t there in 2022,” PFF said in the paragraph explaining his “below average” rating for the choice.
Former Olympus High players who made it to the NFL
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