Alabama DT Jehiem Oatis leaves team, will transfer

Field Level Media|published: Mon 7th October, 14:12 2024

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis (10) celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

Alabama junior defensive tackle and former top 75 recruit Jehiem Oatis is taking a redshirt this season and will enter the transfer portal this winter over a lack of playing time with the No. 7 Crimson Tide.

Oatis started 13 games in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa under former coach Nick Saban but is averaging 16 snaps per game through four games he's played in this season, according to ESPN.

"Getting the reps and looks that I'm getting, I feel like it's better for me to move on somewhere new," Oatis told ESPN.

Otis came to Alabama as a four-star recruit out of Columbia, Miss., in the Class of 2022. He was the 71st best recruit in the class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Oatis informed Alabama of his decision on Monday.

Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack told reporters Monday that Oatis and has "not been able to perform or produce the way that any of us would like" due to injuries.

Oatis missed spring camp due to three surgeries and was also limited in training camp, per ESPN.

--Field Level Media

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