Tide’s Oatis to redshirt, transfer over playing time

Pete Thamel, ESPNOct 7, 2024, 01:10 PM ET Close College Football Elder Author for ESPN. Expert for College Gameday.Alabama junior defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis will redshirt this season and get in the NCAA transfer website, he informed ESPN.Oatis began 13 games his very first two years at Alabama and was a leading 40 general recruit upon his arrival in the Class of 2022. He’s considered an essential member of the Crimson Tide protective line rotation, as he’s got rare size and athleticism at 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds.Oatis’ snaps decreased this season, and he said the reason for leaving is playing time. He played 25 integrated snaps versus Georgia and Wisconsin and averaged 16 snaps a game in the 4 games he’s played this season.Jehiem Otis has 57 career takes on, 3 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He likewise has five career deflected pass, a high number for an interior lineman. Getty

“Getting the representatives and looks that I’m getting,” Oatis told ESPN, “I seem like it’s better for me to proceed somewhere brand-new.”

In a press conference Monday, Alabama protective coordinator Kane Wommack said that injuries had actually hampered Oatis and he has “not been able to carry out or produce the manner in which any of us would like.”

In 2023, Oatis averaged more than 22 snaps per game and started three games. As a real freshman in 2022, he began 10 games and balanced more than 24 snaps per game.Oatis informed Alabama coaches of his decision Monday. Considering that he’s played simply four games, he has the ability to redshirt and protect the year of eligibility.Oatis stated he did not play in the Vanderbilt game due to the fact that he’s dealing with a small knee problem, which is not considered long-term. He’s formally noted as playing in the participation report in package score, however he told ESPN he didn’t not play any snaps. He’s not listed as taking any snaps by Pro Football Focus.Oatis missed this spring since of 3 surgical treatments– shoulder, knee and ankle– that found him

restricted at the start of training school. He’s been fully healthy because completion of training camp, however, and is trying to find a location where he can play more and produce for the NFL.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Oatis ‘size, hiring pedigree and experience with more than 600 career snaps will make him a leading NCAA transfer portal

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. He is a player all NFL groups were evaluating this year, as he brings a rare mix of size and athleticism. At 6-foot-5, 325 pounds, he was a prospect that captivated NFL teams due to the fact that of his ability and early profession production.” I’m attempting to make it [to the NFL] like everybody is else is trying to make it, “Oatis informed ESPN.He has 57 profession tackles, 3 takes on for loss and 1.5 sacks. He

likewise has five profession deflected pass, a high number for an interior lineman.Wommack was asked by the media about Oatis in late September and said he was”working

to strike his stride “coming off the injuries in the off-season. He has two tackles and one deflected ball in his 4 games this year.

“I think there’s growth there, but definitely we wish to continue to see him take steps in the best direction,” Wommack informed reporters Sept. 30. “I think as he continues to take those actions, he has actually high capacity.

“Oatis grew up in Mississippi and said there’s some desire to remain in the SEC or transfer to a”huge “school in the Big 10 or ACC.He stated he prepares to complete out the term at Alabama and is on track to earn his degree in sports management. He’ll

look to work toward master’s at his brand-new school.