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Alabama football DL Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt, transfer after 2024 season
- Story byThe Tuscaloosa News
- Alabama football DL Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt, transfer after 2024 season
This story was updated to add new information.
Alabama football junior defensive tackle Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt and enter the transfer portal after the 2024 season.
ESPN was first to report, which Kalen DeBoer confirmed in his Monday press conference
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"Felt like it was going that way," DeBoer said. "I think what we also have to understand is there's other elements to this, right? There's health elements, there's life elements. I love these guys, they've worked hard. Jeheim's choices and things, there's reasons for that."
DeBoer said he was notified and that Oatis "continues to be in communication here with us."
"We kind of felt like it was maybe going in that direction, not just today or yesterday or just, you know, during the last few days," DeBoer said. "So you know we move forward with the guys that really are able to help us win and focused on our program. As we go through this finality to it, we want what's best for all people."
Oatis released a statement Monday night confirming his departure from the program.
"To the University of Alabama, my teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone who has been a part of my journey since I first stepped on campus," Oatis wrote, "it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to take a redshirt and enter the transfer portal in December. 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 hopes, my love for this school and its incredible fan base remains as strong as ever. I am deeply grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me here, and I will carry them with me for the rest of my life.
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"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."
Wommack addressed the Oatis transfer in his press conference.
"He's been battling some injuries and, you know, has not been able to perform or produce the way that any of us would like," Wommack said. "But my focus is really on the players that are going to do everything they can to help us win football games. And so that's really where my focus is at right now."
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis (10) celebrate the win at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Georgia 41-34. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images
Oatis is a former four-star defensive lineman in the 2022 recruiting class, and the 12th overall defensive lineman in the country. In three seasons, Oatis had 57 tackles, five pass deflections and 1.5 sacks.
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Oatis earned his way into playing time under coach Nick Saban after he lost a significant amount of weight.
Oatis is a Columbia, Mississippi, native.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football DL Jehiem Oatis to redshirt, enter transfer portal
