Titans rookie JC Latham's path to the NFL was derailed by becoming a child actor

NASHVILLE -- Tennessee Titans first-round pick JC Latham has been one of the star attractions in training camp. Before he became Tennessee's future at left tackle, the 6-6, 342-pound Latham had other aspirations.

Fourth-grade JC Latham almost became the next Disney Channel star.

JC Latham's Disney Channel Audition

"I only played football, basketball for a year (at the time)," said Latham on 104.5 The Zone's The Buck Reising Show . "All that stuff. I had this major crush on Zendaya and, at the time, she was on a show called Shake It Up on Disney. I was in Milwaukee at the time. The Disney crew came to Milwaukee and they were hosting auditions. I was nervous, but I did it and they said 'Hey, we're going to call you back for the second call.' So, they called me back on the second call and I did good.

"They were like 'Hey, you're invited to the final call. You did great. Come Sunday and we'll let you know what you've got to do.' Come Sunday and I do really good and they tell me they actually wanted me to be a part of the Shake It Up show. So, I'm thinking 'I can meet Zendaya!' and all this stuff. I was really giddy about that, and then my parents were like 'Hey, you're going to have to stop playing football if you want to be an actor.' I'm in fourth grade and (you're asking me to pick between) Zendaya or football it's kind of a clear choice!"

One could hardly blame him.

The financial burden on Latham's family at the time of acting classes, travel and online schooling was too much for the decision to be as cut and dry. Sticking with football clearly paid dividends as the Alabama product was drafted by the Titans with the No. 7 overall pick this year. Latham has locked down the left tackle position in camp.

The rookie has thrived under the tutelage of veteran offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

Tennessee will host the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday at Nissan Stadium for their first preseason game of the year.

Related: Nicholas-Petit-Frere extremely confident in his abilities to win Titans starting right tackle job

Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.