After this season, the University of Alabama football program won’t have a seasoned defensive lineman.
Mississippi native Jehiem Oatis intends to use the NCAA transfer portal and redshirt the rest of this season.
During Kalen DeBoer, Nick Sheridan, and Kane Wommack’s press conferences on Monday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel revealed the news.
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A four-star in the 2022 recruiting class, Oatis has struggled with injuries during the previous campaign. Prior to his freshman year, the 6-foot-5, 325-pound athlete had an amazing body change.
He became a member of the Freshman All-SEC and gained playing time after losing more than 400 pounds to 360.
Oatis improved as a sophomore and kept up his output, but he hasn’t had an effect on thethe defense in five of this season’s games.
The players that will help the Crimson Tide win games are the center of attention for Alabama defensive coordinator Wommack.
Regarding Oatis, Wommack stated, “He’s been battling some injuries.””Neither of us has been satisfied with his performance or output.”
Coach DeBoer stated that he was aware that Oatis was considering a transfer at some point.
DeBoer remarked, “I thought it was going that way.”
“What you need to realize is that there are additional components to this. Health exists. Life ingredients are present. He has informed us and been in touch with us ever since.
Oatis has participated in 29 games in his career, 13 of which were starts. He has three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 57 tackles.There are five pass breakups and quarterback hurries. After this season at Alabama, Oatis will try to find another place to use his skills. Last season, he helped the Tide win the Southeastern Conference Championship.