Mars Hill coach Darrell Higgins has game-planned for and played against Alabama lineman commit and Pickens County senior Jah-Marien Latham twice, both times in the Class 1A semifinals.

Higgins came away from last week’s 22-18 victory over Pickens County more impressed than ever with Latham.

“Every bit as good as advertised,” Higgins said. “He was good last year but has taken another step this year. He was totally dominant.”

At 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Latham is rated a 4-star defensive tackle by national recruiting services. He’s also one of four defensive linemen committed to Alabama in the Class of 2020, along with McEachern (Ga.)’s Jamil Burroughs, Sebastian River (Fla.)’s Timothy Smith. and Calera’s Jayson Jones.

Alabama has only two committed offensive linemen – Buford (Ga.) center Seth McLaughlin and North Shore (Texas) tackle Damion George – and both are 3-star players.

The lack of offensive linemen in Alabama’s recruiting class and the fact Latham has played consistently on both sides of the ball throughout his career at 1A Pickens County has led to the idea he could end up as an offensive lineman for the Tide.

That’s what Higgins said he expects, based on Latham’s blend of power, agility and toughness. He raved about Latham’s speed and footwork.

“High school wise, I think he’s better on defense because he can just dominate so much,” Higgins said. “But he’s so good on offense, I think he’ll end up on the offensive side of the ball. He can move, though. He’s really special."