Jehiem Oatis, a defensive lineman for Alabama, further detailed his decision to redshirt, opt out of the rest of the season, and use the NCAA transfer portal in December in a statement he posted on Instagram on Monday night.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to take a redshirt and enter the transfer portal in December,” the student stated. It was not an easy decision to make, but I must put my job and future first.
“While this season did not materialize the way we had anticipated, my passion for this school and its tremendous fan base is as strong as ever. I will always be incredibly appreciative of the memories and experiences that have shaped me here, and I will always cherish them with my life
Oatis made four appearances this season as a substitute. He was allowed to redshirt this season despite not playing in Saturday’s loss at Vanderbilt despite being in uniform. Undergraduates can access the NCAA transfer portal starting on December 9.
“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,” he said.
Then, Oatis asked that “all communication” be handled by his representatives, Young Money APAA Sports, which rapper Lil Wayne Oatis is a junior who will be eligible for two more seasons.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the director of player development for Alabama, tweeted a seemingly introspective response to Oatis’s announcement, which he made hours earlier, citing playing time, in an interview with ESPN.”Because they didn’t get playing time, players are choosing to redshirt for a year? How about honing your craft and forming positive habits? Simply give up. No more practice repetitions or routines? Simply enter the gateway, Rusty? Got it,” Clinton-Dix wrote on X on Monday night.
After signing with the Tide in 2022 as a four-star recruit out of Mississippi, Oatis has made 30 appearances in games. Due to an injury that also kept him out this past spring, he started three games last season and ten as a freshman. This season, he started as the third defensive tackle behind Tim Keenan and Tim Smith, but as Oatis has waned, James Smith has seen a rise in playing time.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack stated on Monday, “I think for Jehiem, obviously, he’s been battling some injuries, has not been able to perform or produce the way that any of us would like.” “But the players who are going to give it their all to help us win football games really have my attention Thus, that’s actually my current area of interest.”
Oatis’s decision was also validated by coach Kalen DeBoer.
It “felt like it was going that way,” DeBoer remarked on Monday. “I believe you also need to realize that there are additional components involved, correct? There are aspects related to health. Life ingredients are present. I adore these two men. They put up a lot of effort in their task. There are explanations behind Jehiem’s decisions and actions. Correct? He informed us, has informed us, and has kept in touch with us here. It seemed as though it might be moving in that direction. Not just now, not just yesterday, nor just these past few days.
“We keep working with the individuals who can actually help us win and are committed to our program. I don’t want to give this a definitive ending, but as we proceed, you’ll always want what’s best for everyone, and Jehiem is one of them.”
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