Jaheim Oatis was one of a few true freshmen who contributed to Alabama football winning the Allstate Sugar Bowl in 2022.
He came as a four-star from Mississippi and one of the top defensive tackle prospects. Oatis performed so well in spring practice and preseason camp that he shared the starting job at nose tackle with DJ Dale. The Crimson Tide recruited him when he was 417 pounds and challenged him to drop weight. Oatis took the challenge and became determined to get himself into shape to become a marquee factor. He dropped down to 370 pounds by the time he signed his national letter of intent and played last season at 348 pounds. Oatis, who stands at 6-foot-5, saw a difference in his explosiveness, short-area quickness, and power with being down 70 pounds. He successfully reset an opposing team’s offensive line, consistently creating havoc in the backfield.
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Oatis recorded 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups in 12 games.
He earned 10 starts, receiving All-SEC Freshman Team honors from the league’s coaches. Oatis is now 316 pounds, which equals a 100-pound weight loss transformation from where he was a year ago. He shared his excitement on social media, stating “I feel amazing!” Oatis looks to be a force up front next fall as he expects to show everyone the monster he is on the line.
Started this journey just a bit over a year ago at 417lbs now 316lbs and I feel amazing 💪🏿💪🏿!!!!! #RollTide
— Jaheim Oatis (@JaheimOatis) February 26, 2023
Alabama has had some incredible tackles under Nick Saban, and Oatis is prepared to be the next one.
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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.
