One Offensive Lineman’s Thoughts on the Quarterback Competition at Alabama
As the Alabama Crimson Tide football program gears up for another season of intense SEC competition, one of the most anticipated storylines is the battle for the starting quarterback position. After Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL, the Tide finds itself in a unique position, with several candidates vying to take over as the leader of the offense. With so many talented players competing for the starting job, everyone on the roster, from the coaches to the players themselves, has a stake in how the competition unfolds.
For Alabama’s offensive linemen, the quarterback competition isn’t just a point of intrigue—it’s something that impacts their game directly. One offensive lineman, in particular, has spoken out about what he believes is key to this quarterback battle and how the decisions made during this process will affect the team’s offensive identity and success in the coming season. This player, JC Latham, the Crimson Tide’s star right tackle, is no stranger to the importance of the quarterback position. As one of the anchors of the offensive line, Latham has a unique perspective on the quarterback competition.
Latham, who has already proven himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in college football, understands the significance of a quarterback who can command the offense and protect the line while also being a dynamic threat. In conversations about the quarterback competition, Latham has been candid about how important it is for the players to understand that while the position is being battled for, everyone’s success—including that of the offensive line—relies on choosing the right leader for the team. His thoughts reveal an insightful look into the intersection of offensive line play and quarterback performance, and how the right choice can ultimately elevate the entire program.
The Importance of Trust: A Cohesive Offensive Line and Quarterback Relationship
Latham is quick to point out that for the offensive line, the relationship with the quarterback is about much more than simply protecting the pocket. A quarterback must not only understand what the offensive line is doing but must also trust them to make the right decisions under pressure. “We know as offensive linemen, that if we do our jobs, the quarterback can have time to make plays,” Latham says. “But at the same time, a quarterback also needs to trust that we’re going to protect him. It’s a two-way street.”
This mutual trust is essential in any successful offense, but it’s especially crucial in an environment like Alabama, where the stakes are always high. A quarterback must trust his offensive line to protect him, and the offensive line needs to know that the quarterback will make quick, decisive decisions to avoid putting them in difficult situations. Latham believes that this trust will be especially vital in the current quarterback competition, where multiple candidates have unique strengths and weaknesses.
“Whoever ends up starting will have to be someone who understands the role of the offensive line, who can read the defense and make quick decisions, and who can execute our offense at the highest level. We can only do so much for them, and they have to make sure they trust us to get the job done,” Latham explains. As the right tackle, Latham’s role is to provide stability on the right side of the line, ensuring that the quarterback has ample protection. However, Latham also knows that it’s not just about physical protection; it’s about emotional and psychological trust. The quarterback’s confidence in the line’s ability to block effectively will allow him to operate with a level of comfort that can elevate the entire offense.
What Does Latham Look for in a Quarterback?
When asked about what qualities he values in a quarterback, Latham immediately points to leadership and consistency. “A quarterback needs to be someone who can lead the team, not just in games but also in practice. They need to be vocal, confident, and able to keep everyone on the same page,” says Latham. This statement underscores the importance of a quarterback being a leader not only on the field but also in the locker room. A quarterback must be someone the entire offense can look to for guidance, someone who can remain calm under pressure and make decisions that benefit the team.
Latham recognizes that the quarterback position is not just about physical ability. It’s about having the mental fortitude to take charge in critical situations and make the necessary adjustments. “We, as an offensive line, can make adjustments to protect a quarterback, but the quarterback has to be able to read defenses and react quickly. It’s about being able to make the right call in the heat of the moment.”
For Latham, it’s not just about having the best athlete behind center—it’s about having someone who can process the game quickly and distribute the ball to the right places. “A great quarterback can take advantage of the line’s protection, and at the same time, they help us make the right decisions on what protections to call. A quarterback who can read the defense and adjust the play is someone who can elevate the entire offense.”
The Quarterback Competition: What Latham Thinks of the Candidates
As the spring practice rolls on, the quarterback competition has become the focal point of Alabama’s preparations. With multiple candidates vying for the starting role, Latham has been keeping a close eye on the developments.
Jalen Milroe, the sophomore quarterback who has seen some action in games already, is known for his dual-threat capabilities—his ability to extend plays with his legs while also possessing a strong arm. Latham has praised Milroe’s athleticism, noting that his ability to create plays with his legs adds another dimension to the offense. “Jalen has a big arm, and he’s really dynamic. We know he can extend plays with his legs, and that’s a huge asset,” Latham said. “He’s just got to keep improving on his consistency and decision-making when he’s in the pocket.”
Tyler Buchner, the transfer from Notre Dame, has also been a strong contender in the competition. Buchner brings a different skill set with his experience at Notre Dame and his ability to execute a pro-style offense. Latham believes Buchner’s football IQ is one of his key assets. “Tyler’s a really smart quarterback. He’s been in big games, and you can see how quickly he processes the game. He’s not the same type of athlete as Jalen, but he makes up for it with his mental game and his poise,” Latham explained. “I think his experience could really benefit the offense.”
Ty Simpson, the highly touted sophomore, has also shown flashes of brilliance during the spring. Latham has been impressed with Simpson’s maturity and confidence, despite his relatively limited experience. “Ty is a competitor,” Latham said. “You can see his potential, and he’s got the skill set to make big plays. He’s still developing, but he’s someone who really stands out because of his attitude and approach to the game.”
With three strong candidates in the mix, Latham recognizes that each quarterback has a different skill set. However, he stresses that it will ultimately come down to who can lead the offense and execute the system the best. “It’s all about who can make us the most effective as a unit,” Latham stated. “We need a guy who can not only execute the plays but also lead the offense and manage the game when things get tough.”
Impact on the Offensive Line
Regardless of who wins the starting quarterback role, Latham is confident that the offensive line will rise to the occasion and protect the quarterback. “As offensive linemen, we’re here to do one thing: protect the quarterback and give him time to make plays,” Latham says. “That won’t change regardless of who is back there.”
Latham notes that the offensive line’s performance will be closely tied to how well the quarterback can manage the game. “The better the quarterback is at reading defenses and making quick decisions, the better we can protect him. If the quarterback holds onto the ball too long or doesn’t read the defense correctly, it makes our job harder,” Latham points out. This highlights the symbiotic relationship between the quarterback and the offensive line—success for one often means success for the other.
Leadership and Adaptability: What Latham Wants to See
Latham, who has become one of the unquestioned leaders of the offensive line, also emphasizes the importance of leadership from the quarterback. “A quarterback who can step up and be a vocal leader in the huddle, someone who can handle pressure and keep everyone calm, is key. We need someone who can come into the huddle and say the right things—someone who can bring everyone together, especially when things aren’t going our way.”
As a veteran on the offensive line, Latham also values adaptability. He recognizes that the quarterback’s ability to adjust to changing defenses and communicate with the offensive line is crucial. “It’s not just about physical talent; it’s about being able to make adjustments on the fly. If a defense throws something unexpected at us, we need a quarterback who can quickly adjust and make the right call. That’s the type of leader we need,” Latham explains.
A Unified Goal for Alabama Football
For JC Latham, the quarterback competition at Alabama is not just a battle for a starting job—it’s about the larger goal of winning championships and maintaining Alabama’s tradition of dominance. Whether it’s Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner, or Ty Simpson who ultimately emerges as the starting quarterback, Latham believes that the key to success will lie in the ability of the offense to work together as a cohesive unit. The offensive line’s job is clear: protect the quarterback, block for the running backs, and help lead the Crimson Tide back to national prominence.
“I’m just excited to see who wins the job,” Latham concludes. “Whoever it is, we’re going to have their back, and we’re going to do everything we can to make sure they succeed. It’s all about us coming together as a team.” With that mentality, Alabama’s offensive line—and the entire program—remains poised for success, no matter who takes the snaps.