Alabama football countdown to kickoff: 81 days

If you can believe it, we are officially under the 90-day mark until Alabama is back on a live-game football field. After coming up short in the national championship game against Georgia back in January, the Crimson Tide will once again be searching for its seventh title under Nick Saban.

This year’s season opener will be against the Utah State Aggies on Sept. 3 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. With today being June 14, that means we are only 81 days away from the return of Alabama football. The team here at BamaOn3 is ready to celebrate every day of the countdown standing between now and then.

With opening week 81 days away, let’s focus on a player — both past and present — who has represented that number.

*Note: BamaOn3 is also doing a Countdown to Fall Camp, which is only 52 days away.

Who currently wears the No. 81?

Fifth-year senior Cameron Latu will once again wear the No. 81 for Alabama this season. The veteran tight end has worn the number ever since he made transition from outside linebacker back in 2019. Prior to the switch, he wore the No. 20 while providing depth as a pass rusher.

Needless to say, the move over to the offense finally paid off for Latu and Alabama in 2021.

After only seeing action in a few games through his first three years in Tuscaloosa, Latu played in all 15 contests with 14 starts in Year 4. He finished third in receiving yards for the Crimson Tide (410) while also finishing tied for second in receiving touchdowns (8). Those touchdowns broke the Alabama record for most by a tight end in a single season.

Now entering what many expect to be his last collegiate season, Latu is looking to build off that success.

The Alabama roster currently lists him at 6-foot-5, 244 pounds, which means the Salt Lake City (Utah) native has lost six pounds since being listed at 250 on last year’s roster. If you think about it, the weight loss might have been part of the plan.

Last season, Latu played more in-line than fellow tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who was used more as a big slot and perimeter receiver. With Billingsley now off to Texas, Robbie Ouzts is now projected to be the team’s second tight end. The sophomore will do most of his damage in-line, which could present more opportunities for Latu to flex out wide.

Who’s a noteworthy former player to wear it?

Speaking of tight ends who wore the No. 81 at Alabama, how many of you remember the name Lamonde Russell? If you don’t, you’re missing out. He was a fantastic, playmaking tight end who starred for the Crimson Tide from 1987 to 1990.

Former coach Homer Smith was Alabama’s offensive coordinator during Russell’s best two statistical seasons. Between 1988-89, Russell combined for 80 catches, which went for 1,026 yards and 6 touchdowns while playing in 20 games. When Smith left for UCLA in 1990, Russell’s production dipped.

His 28 receptions, 306 receiving yards with zero scores were all career-lows, but the 6-foot, 207-pound pass-catcher (yes, that was considered small for a tight end) still found a way to be productive. He’ll always be remembered by the older generation of Alabama fans.

2022 Alabama Football Schedule

Sept. 3 vs. Utah State Aggies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Sept. 10 at Texas Longhorns (Austin, Tex.)

Sept. 17 vs. UL-Monroe Warhawks (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Sept. 24 vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Oct. 1 at Arkansas Razorbacks (Fayetteville, Ark.)

Oct. 8 vs. Texas A&M Aggies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Oct. 15 at Tennessee Volunteers (Knoxville, Tenn.)

Oct. 22 vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Oct. 29 – OPEN WEEK

Nov. 5 at LSU Tigers (Baton Rouge, La.)

Nov. 12 at Ole Miss Rebels (Oxford, Miss.)

Nov. 19 vs. Austin Peay Governors (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Nov. 26 vs. Auburn Tigers (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)

Dec. 3 – SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Atlanta, Ga.)