Duke assistant coach John Latina details Laken Tomlinson's growth

Published May. 7, 2015 10:11 a.m. ET

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Duke offensive line coach John Latina remembers seeing a young player with tremendous upside three years ago, if only the guard could learn to harness his power. All it took was a little fine-tuning from Latina, and a raw blocker in Laken Tomlinson was transformed into a first-round pick.

Latina recently talked to ESPN's Michael Rothstein about the player Tomlinson has become.

"I think he’s so consistent," Latina told ESPN. "He’s really good but he’s so consistent and that’s because of his maturity and his attitude that he has both mentally and physically."

When the prospect of an NFL career became a reality for Tomlinson, Latina had to convince the guard that he was one of the nation's best, according to Rothstein. It must have worked, because Tomlinson didn't allow a sack all season and, eventually, the Detroit Lions selected him 28th overall.

"He saw how dominant he was, becoming as a complete player, and I think the feedback he gave to me between his junior and senior year, he always worked really hard," Latina said, per ESPN. "I think everybody works hard, but he started working with a purpose and his purpose became to become the best in the country."

Now, as his professional career commences, Tomlinson's drive and desire to dominate the competition must reach a new level.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports