He may not start as a freshman, but Jaheim Oatis will see reps on Alabama’s defensive line.
The native Mississippian has transformed his body and looks impressive in spring practice. Oatis weighed in at 370 pounds on a 6-foot-4 frame, but he’s worked with a nutritionist in the last three months. He dropped significant weight, and the four-star is moving faster at 324 pounds. Oatis performed well in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage, and he looks to do more on Saturday.
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He has flashed strong traits of becoming a dominant nose tackle, and Coach Nick Saban said he’s made ‘a lot of progress.’
“He a much better player where he is now than he was when he was a little heavier,” Saban said Wednesday of Oatis. “He’s making progress, but like a lot of young guys for them to play fast, you have to have confidence and knowledge of what to do. He has flashed a lot of abilities. He is hard to block. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”
Players such as Marcell Dareus, Terrence Cody, Jesse Williams, Da’Ron Payne, Quinnen Williams, and Christian Barmore were hard to block as nose guards. Oatis has so much potential and will continue to grow. He might be the future of the position, and Tide fans are excited to see what he can do.
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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.
