Pickens County’s Jah-Marien Latham dominated as a defensive and offensive lineman in high school, but where will the Alabama signee play for the Crimson Tide?

A reporter asked Latham that simple question after he helped the Tornadoes beat Francis Marion in Monday’s AHSAA Class 1A basketball semifinals in Birmingham.

“They’ve talked to me about playing defensive end,” he said, “but I could be like a Jack outside linebacker.”

That’s new.

National recruiting services listed the 6-foot-3 Latham as a defensive tackle, and he said he played his senior football season in the 285-to-290-pound range. He looked smaller on the basketball court and said he’s slimmed down to 265 pounds.

His blend of power, size and explosiveness as a high school defensive lineman fit the template for an Alabama defensive end.

“I feel pretty good about how I played as a senior, but I could have been better at 265,” he said. “I’m a lot quicker at 265 than 285.”

Some opposing coaches, including Mars Hill’s Darrell Higgins, raved about Latham’s offensive line skills. That led to speculation that he’d end up on offense, perhaps as a guard, at Alabama.

What position does Latham prefer? “If I had to choose a position, it’d probably be d-end or outside linebacker,” Latham said.

Alabama signed at least two players – 5-star Will Anderson and 4-star Chris Braswell – who project as pass-rushing outside linebackers. Both appear well-suited for Alabama’s Jack position.

But Alabama’s Anfernee Jennings played outside linebacker at 6-foot-3 and 259 pounds for the Tide, and he led the Tide in sacks and tackles for loss in 2019. Jennings often lined up with his hand on the ground, especially in obvious pass-rushing situations.

Ultimately, though, Latham sounded like a guy who isn’t worried about his college position.

“I just play ball,” he said. “I don’t worry about all those outside things.”