A few days following Alabama’s first loss of the season, it lost its first player to the NCAA transfer portal.
It was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, that junior defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis would redshirt the rest of the season and transfer.
Several hours following the report, Oatis released a statement on social media officially announcing his decision to leave the program.
“To the University of Alabama, my teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone who has been a part of my journey since I first stepping on campus: It it with a heavy heart that I have decided to take a redshirt and enter the transfer portal in December,” Oatis said. “This decision did not come easily, but I need to prioritize my future and career.
“While this season did not unfold the way we had hoped, my love for this school and its incredible fan base remains as strong as ever. I am deeply grateful for the memories and experience that have shaped me here, and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life. As I look forward to the next chapter, I am excited to find a new home where I can bring NFL-Caliber play and help my future team compete for championships.
“At this time, all communication will go through my representatives as Young Money APAA Sports, Adie Von Gontard and Noah Reisenfeld. Please respect my decision, and thank you all for your support. God Bless.”
Oatis, was one of the Crimson Tide’s top defensive lineman since his freshman season in 2022, hasn’t had near the same impact this year. Through four games Oatis has played just 68 total snaps after entering the season recovering from injury.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
