How Titans first-round draft pick JC Latham got the perfect nickname for an offensive tackle

For a five-star prospect and the No. 1 offensive tackle in the class of 2021, it's easy to understand why this monicker stuck. However Latham explains that it was actually his work on the defensive side of the ball that earned him his fantastic name tag.

"When I was at IMG three guys were hurt, so I had to switch over from (defensive) end to offensive line," Latham pointed out. "I was a top-10 player in the country at the time. I was number three at my position at defensive end. Making that switch, I wanted to hold myself to a standard."

Latham notes his offensive line coach at IMG, George Hegamin, was best friends with Deion Sanders from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys. He adds that Hegamin spoke to Sanders frequently, so Latham wanted a nickname similar to Sanders' Primetime.

"I didn't want to steal Primetime, obviously. I sat down and thought about it, and every time you break it down on the o-line and d-line you say it's the trenches, so I wanted to hold myself to a constant standard. That's what I am, the Trench King."

That nickname, along with the No. 7 overall pick, carries a certain level of expectation for the rookie. Tennessee will need Latham to make an impact up front in Year One, and Titans GM Ran Carthon believes the best place for him to do that is at left tackle.

Callahan's conviction on Latham is one of many reasons Titans fans should be excited about the team's newest addition. There will surely be growing pains as Latham transitions to the blindside, but the tools are all there for him to become a Pro Bowl caliber player for years to come.