Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Darius Latham | Oakland Raiders | DL

Darius Latham was one of the highest rated recruits in Indiana football history – or at least since rankings systems became commonplace. Latham, a former four-star prospect from Indianapolis, joined Indiana as a key cog of a much-hyped 2013 class. He was one of the few players from that recruiting class who produced, and stayed, on the field. In three years at Indiana, Latham played in 31 games, recording 82 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries. Latham was an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team as a junior. He skipped out on his senior season at IU in pursuit of a professional football career.

Latham performed relatively well at the 2016 at the combine, while posting measurements of 6-foot-4, 310lbs. Mel Kiper projected Latham as a fifth-round draft pick, but he went undrafted. However, the day after the draft, Darius Latham inked a three-year, $1.62 million contract with the Oakland Raiders. Latham appeared in 14 games as a rookie playing defensive tackle and special teams. He recorded 17 tackles as he adjusted to the speed and lifestyle of the NFL.

Latham’s second season in the pros did not go as planned. He was unable to propel himself toward the top of Oakland’s depth chart during the preseason. After playing just one regular season game, the NFL suspended Latham in October for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. It later became known that the Raiders suffered from a toxic locker room and a poor relationship between ownership, coach Jack Del Rio, and the players. Regardless, Darius Latham needed to get his career back on track, and he’s taking the right steps toward doing so.

He was reassigned to the Raiders practice squad in December. Just nine days later, he was promoted to the active roster. Latham impressed during his short time on the field, looking as if he never missed a beat. He played three games in December, accumulating seven tackles, filling gaps, and showing that he has a chance to be a professional defensive tackle. Latham is just 23-years old, physically gifted, and full of potential. Perhaps a coach like Jon Gruden will motivate Darius Latham and help him unleash that potential.

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Hoosiers at the Next Level: Darius Latham, DT, Oakland Raiders

Darius Latham | Oakland Raiders | DL

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