The phenom freshman came in with a lot of accomplishments before getting to Blacksburg, Virginia. As a high school wrestler, Latona was a multiple time state champion in Alabama and the first wrestler in Alabama state history to win a junior national title. Latona was also a two time NHSCA national champion and was ranked sixth in the nation at 120 pounds as a senior. Latona opened up his college career competing unattached for the Hokies compiling a record of 20-2 winning three open tournaments and placing third at the Southern Scuffle with his lone loss coming to Oklahoma State's Nick Piccininni. The 2021 season was where Latona really made his mark in college wrestling.