Former Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis didn’t hold back when explaining why he left the Crimson Tide in the middle of the 2024 season. In an interview published Sunday by On3’s Pete Nakos, Oatis said he felt the Alabama coaching staff wasn’t giving him the playing time he deserved after the new regime took over.
“Last year, when I was there, they were literally messing me over and weren’t giving me playing time,” Oatis said. “That was a big part of why I left. The new staff wasn’t for me. Once I found out they didn’t mess with me, I knew it was time to get up and get out of there.”
Oatis appeared in just three games in 2024, then opted out of the rest of the season after not playing in Alabama’s loss to Vanderbilt. This allowed him to preserve a redshirt year. Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack suggested at the time that injuries were a factor limiting Oatis’ contributions.
After opting out, head coach Kalen DeBoer said he had no hard feelings toward Oatis, adding, “We move forward with the guys that really are able to help us win and focused on our program.”
Oatis, once named freshman All-SEC in 2022, was a key piece of Alabama’s defense during its 2023 College Football Playoff run. But with injuries and a coaching change, his role dwindled in 2024.
Now, Oatis is listed as a junior on Colorado’s roster, where he’ll have two years of eligibility left to play under head coach Deion Sanders.
Ex-Alabama DL Jehiem Oatis Slams Tide’s Treatment, Finds Fresh Start at Colorado
