Cameron Latu Scouting Report

Background

NAME: Cameron Latu

POSITION: TE

SCHOOL: Alabama

HEIGHT: 6’5″

WEIGHT: 244

CLASS: 5SR

HOMETOWN: Salt Lake City, UT

HIGH SCHOOL: Olympus

DOB: 1/22/????

GAMES WATCHED: Auburn, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Texas

Career Stats

2018 (1 game): 1 tackle.
2019 (2 games): 1 tackle.
2020: Did not play.
2021 (14 games): 26 receptions for 410 yards and 8 TDs.
2022 (11 games): 30 receptions for 377 yards and 4 TDs.

Biography

A four star defensive end recruit out of high school, Latu saw the field in only two games (Louisville and Arkansas State) as a true freshman in 2018, recording stats in just one. After redshirting, he moved to tight end for added depth, working mostly on special teams as a redshirt freshman. By 2020, Latu had worked himself into a role on offense but was still primarily a special teams player. With an opportunity to start vs. Miami in 2021, Latu impressed enough to take over the starting role. He set the Alabama record for touchdown catches by a tight end (8) in his first season as a starter. In the national championship vs. Georgia, he led the Tide with five receptions for 102 yards and a TD. A minor injury in summer practices forced him to miss the 2022 opener.

Trait Grades

Vertical Threat: 60 (Above Average)
Route Running: 55 (Above Average)
Strength: 70 (Star)
Ball Skills: 65 (Star)
Contested Catch: 60 (Above Average)
Explosiveness: 70 (Star)
Blocking: 65 (Star)
Run After Catch: 65 (Star)
Versatility: 65 (Star)
Size: 75 (Elite)
Red Flags: 10/10 – none
Ceiling: 60 (Above Average)

Analysis

An incredibly interesting study, it’s hard to tell that Latu came to Alabama as a top EDGE prospect in 2018. All credit to Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff for finding and developing this diamond in the rough. As a vertical threat, Latu clearly has room for development. He’s athletic enough to make it work, but he definitely could improve his body control. Route running is not his specialty, but it isn’t a huge concern because of the way he plays. Latu is extremely strong and uses leverage well thanks to his experience on the defensive line. While he doesn’t have great body control, he’s good at high-pointing the ball, although not to a game-changing level. His use of leverage and strength allows him to fight for contested catches. Thanks to his edge rusher background, he’s explosive off the line of scrimmage both as a route runner and a blocker. Latu’s run after catch ability doesn’t move me, but his speed and strength allow him to run through defenders. Latu is used in the passing game, as a fullback or blocking tight end, and is a great special teamer. He also has ideal size for a tight end; no concerns in that department.