Local reporters for Alabama football received a shock when news came across the ESPN ticker about Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt the rest of this season and enter the NCAA transfer portal.
The native Mississippian had been a playmaker for the Crimson Tide on its defensive line for two years. He has had to battle through injuries, yet the production has not been there this season.
Oatis unveiled his plans to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, but he also made Alabama’s coaching staff aware.
His decision to sit the rest of this year and then transfer opens the door of opportunity for some names at defensive tackle. Damon Payne and James Smith are the first two names that come to mind for the Tide.
RELATED: Alabama coaches unveil reason behind Jehiem Oatis’ decision to redshirt and transfer
Both came to the University of Alabama as five-star disrupters from their respective high schools.
Nov 19, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. (44) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble against Austin Peay at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Payne, a native of Belleville, Mich., has five tackles this season. He recorded nine stops in 2023, including one tackle for loss and half a sack to help the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship. The 6-foot-4, 313-pounder had seven tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery through six games in 2022.
He redshirted his freshman season in 2021 upon coming in as one of the top defensive tackles in the recruiting cycle.
Smith, a native of Montgomery, Ala., was a monster at Carver High School.
He arrived in the 2023 signing class and has been productive.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team works out Sunday morning in practice as they prepare for the 2024 season. Alabama defensive lineman James Smith (23) and Alabama defensive lineman Damon Payne Jr. (44) work against each other.
Smith has eight tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and two quarterback hurries in five games. The 6-foot-3, 296-pounder is an aggressive player that has improved at playing within the scheme of the defense. This is the perfect opportunity to unleash him on opposing offenses. Other names like Jordan Renaud, Eric Hill, and Jeremiah Beaman could have a chance too.
It will be interesting who takes more advantage of the opportunity between Payne and Smith.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
