Could an early enrollee see valuable reps on Alabama’s defensive line in the fall?
Jaheim Oatis is making a case for playing time at defensive tackle.
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He arrived as a January enrollee in the Crimson Tide’s 2022 signing class as a four-star.
Oatis, a native of Columbia, Miss., was a dominant player at Columbia High School. The 6-foot-4 specimen came to Tuscaloosa at 370 pounds, but he’s dropped 46 pounds in three months. Oatis stood out in Alabama’s first scrimmage of spring practice, and he shared his results on social media. Credible sources confirmed to Touchdown Alabama Magazine on Oatis’ performance over the weekend at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He posted a couple of quarterback pressures and has explosive first steps to the ball.
My 1st scrimmage as part of the BamaGang 🏈🏈, finished with a sack and a few tackles 😈😈💪🏾💪🏾!!!! #LetsKeepGrinding #RollTide
— Jaheim Oatis (@JaheimOatis) April 3, 2022
Alabama has DJ Dale and Tim Smith, but is Oatis the future at the position?
He wants to make an impact, and Tide fans want a disruptive player in the middle of the defensive line. Oatis’ journey is similar to former Alabama standout Terrence Cody. Cody, a native of Fort Myers, Fla., took the junior college route to Alabama. He weighed over 400 pounds (410) at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, but Cody trimmed down to 385 upon arrival to the Tide.
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He played between 365 pounds and 345 pounds during his career in Tuscaloosa.
Cody became a two-time SEC first-team honoree, two-time All-American honoree, Chuck Bednarik Award finalist (2009), Lombardi Award finalist (2009), and Nagurski Award finalist (2009). He helped the Crimson Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship and a BCS National Championship in the 2009 season. Oatis can have this kind of success if he keeps working.
For now, he’s looking to steal opportunities this season at nose tackle.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
