![Alabama DL Jaheim Oatis (#91) at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Crimson Tide spring game.](https://tdalabamamag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Jaheim-Oatis-Bama.jpg)
Alabama returned a defensive lineman to practice on Monday to prepare for Mississippi.
Jaheim Oatis, a sophomore, missed the Crimson Tide’s matchup against South Florida because of a foot injury.
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Damon Payne received starting reps in his place, helping the Tide to a 17-3 victory over the Bulls.
Oatis, a former four-star, has seven tackles and a pass breakup in two games. The Mississippi native earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022 after totaling 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, four quarterback hurries, and two breakups. Oatis, who stands at 6’4″ and 320 pounds, has been working at nose tackle and defensive end. He is expected to have a marquee season, but Oatis has not recorded a breakout performance so far. He has an opportunity to have a dominant game against the Rebels.
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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.
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