Titans first-round pick JC Latham's journey an example of ability to embrace change

JC Latham was born to do this.

Just the sheer size of the man, 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds, suggests the Tennessee Titans' first-round NFL draft pick of 2024 is ready for whatever is thrown his way.

A physically imposing offensive tackle with powerful, long arms and a mean streak, Latham was the overall No. 7 selection, and the Titans are confident he can stabilize an offensive line built to protect its franchise quarterback, Will Levis.

No pressure.

Latham has dealt with that since he was a freshman defensive end at Catholic Memorial in Milwaukee. He was handling some of the nation's best high school defensive linemen as a first-time offensive lineman at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, 1,300 miles from home. He was mauling the SEC's top defenders in three seasons at Alabama.

"The journey has been incredible to watch," Jerome Latham, JC's father, said. "We're blessed that it gets to continue."

JC Latham had to leave to grow

JC Latham, accompanied by his family, was smiling Friday during his introductory news conference at Ascension St. Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, the culmination of his decision to leave Catholic Memorial for IMG after winning a state championship in 2018.

"Everywhere I've been, my whole family has been able to be a part of it," he said. "Being able to celebrate the biggest moment of my life was very special to me."

The separation was not without its stress. JC Latham was right at home in Bradenton despite being more than 1,300 miles away — more at ease at IMG Academy than his family was at letting him go. He was a 16-year-old living the life reserved for college students, still two years from joining coach Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.

Langston Latham, 18 months younger, decided it was easier for him not to call his brother too much. While JC was thriving at IMG, Langston was missing his best friend.

"He asked me what I thought he should do when he was deciding on whether to stay or go to IMG," Langston said. "I told him he could take his game to the next level. You have to go. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to say to anyone."

JC, who was born in Meridian, Mississippi, moved to Milwaukee when he was 5 and lived with his father and brother. JC's mother, Monique Pruitt, lived in Chicago, so family has been at the center of JC's life. When he arrived at IMG Academy in 2019, though, he adapted quickly.

"His adjustment was incredible," said former IMG coach Bobby Acosta, who coached Latham for one season.

Latham's family had a harder time adjusting to his departure. Langston Latham was a freshman, JC a sophomore when Catholic Memorial won the Division 3 Wisconsin state title. Langston, a linebacker, thought they'd stack up titles together for years.

"I thought that'd continue forever," Langston said. "Then he was gone."

JC Latham thrives in journey

Pruitt admitted there was some trepidation with her son so far away.

"When you're sending a 15- or 16-year-old child away, it's like sending him away for college . . . early," she said. "I believed he could do it. I was pretty sure he could do it, but it's like . . . what if?"

While Langston went on to win two more state titles at Catholic Memorial, JC's IMG Academy team finished the 2020 season as the No. 1-ranked team by USA TODAY Super 25.

"JC has always pushed himself," Jerome Latham said. "He's self-motivated. He wanted to challenge himself after Catholic. I told him if he wants to be the best, he has to play against the best."

As soon as Latham shifted from defensive end to offensive line at IMG, he was dominating four- and five-star defensive linemen on the team.

"He would just swallow them up," Acosta said.

ESTES Tennessee Titans drafted a project in JC Latham because of trust in Bill Callahan

Latham got to Alabama and was named second-team All-American by USA TODAY, starting every game at right tackle for the Crimson Tide. He allowed only two sacks in more than 400 passing attempts last fall and is slotted to play left tackle for the Titans. It shouldn't be a problem for a guy who played left and right tackle as well as guard at IMG.

Latham's easy demeanor shapes his character

But what kept Latham grounded was his fun-loving nature.

"He's a jokester," Jerome Latham said.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called JC Latham's name Thursday in Detroit, the new Titans player with the 35⅛-inch arm length wrapped Goodell in a bear hug and lifted him clear off the stage floor.

"That's JC," Kate Meyers, Jerome's former girlfriend who helped raise JC with Jerome and Monique, said with tears welling in her eyes. "It was emotional for sure because he's such a great man, and a great player. No one deserves this more. We're all proud."

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinsontheleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 2024 NFL Draft: Titans' JC Latham journey from IMG to Alabama to NFL