Alabama Freshman Amari Allen Comparisons on The Joe Gaither Show

Let's fire up a Thursday edition of "The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral" with Theo Fernandez as we discuss a veteran Alabama football player returning for 2026 before diving deeper into yesterday's conversation about Amari Allen comparisons.
The program opens with a Hall of Fame tangent as Eli Manning and Bill Belichick weren't selected as members of the 2026 class. We reset and get going on Alabama content by starting with the news of Jah-Marien Latham's approval for a seventh season with a medical redshirt. Latham hasn't been a game-changer in Tuscaloosa, but has provided a steady presence in multiple defensive positions for the Crimson Tide throughout his tenure. The porgram discusses what his return means for the Bandit position as he's one of the few players with Alabama experience in the room.
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We transition from football to basketball as we return to our Amari Allen discussion from yesterday. Fernandez disagreed with Gaither's comparisons of the freshman to a Hall of Fame kind of player, and therefore gave his own perspectives. Fernandez brought four different players to the table and offered the reasons why he sees Allen in them.
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The debate carries on and on through the show to no resolution, so it concludes with a third perspective from the voicemail line. Hunter called in and compared Allen to a former Auburn player who had minimal success in the NBA. So who can Allen become? Which player does the athletic wing remind you of?
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Joe Gaither oversees videos and podcasts for Alabama Crimson Tide On SI/BamaCentral. He began his sports media career in radio in 2019, working for three years in Tuscaloosa covering the University of Alabama and other local high school sports. In 2023 he joined BamaCentral to cover a variety of Crimson Tide sports and recruiting, in addition to hosting the “Joe Gaither Show” podcast. His work has also appeared on the Boston College, Missouri and Vanderbilt web sites.
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