The 57th ranked player in the 2023 Alabama Football team is junior tight end, Miles Kitselman.
Cam Latu suffered an injury late in the summer and that left Alabama in a bit of a quandary for the opener versus Utah State at the tight end position. In steps surprise late juco signee, Miles Kitselman. I believe he is the first player we have discussed in the rankings (we started at 89!) that started a game in 2022.
It often works out that way. Nick Saban signs one of the nation's top classes or perhaps the top class overall and a game one starter is someone from that class but entirely unexpected. And, again, Latu was hurt. So it wasn't like he beat out a veteran returning starter for the honor. Still, he did leapfrog other candidates for the role.
Even with Latu moving on to the 49ers, Kitselman is unlikely to reprise that role as starting tight end. Others have moved in (CJ Dippre), others have developed (Danny Lewis, Amari Niblack). However, at 6'5, 250, Kitselman has an opportunity to see time with the 1s yet again.
He was a high school offensive lineman. He is a large-framed, big bodied "Y" tight end. When Alabama is on the goalline or in short yardage situations, it may make some sense for Miles to play a role.
He saw action in six games last season and in that lone start versus Utah State, he caught two balls for 18 yards.
While UA lacks star power at this spot (at press time), you have to like the depth at the position and the ability mix and match. When you gotta throw it, you have a Niblack. When you need a tough yard to earn, you got a Kitselman. It's a nice toolbox.
As the rankings get lower and lower, you are now starting to see kids you will see on the field. Maybe even some in first team situations. Miles is one of those guys.
