After missing spring practice due to an injury, Alabama football defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis has returned to full strength just in time for the start of preseason camp.
Oatis was spotted in uniform and actively participating in drills during the Crimson Tide’s media-accessible practice sessions on Wednesday. Head coach Kalen DeBoer later confirmed Oatis' return.
“He was almost ready right at the end of spring ball,” DeBoer shared. “He’s had a good summer and we’re excited about what he’ll bring to the table for us. He was right on the verge. If we’d had one more week of spring ball, we’d have probably made sure he was out there at that time.”
Oatis brings valuable experience to Alabama's defensive front. The junior played in all 13 games last season, starting in three of them, and recorded 26 total tackles along with a half-sack. His contributions in 2022, when he started 10 games, earned him freshman all-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. Oatis came to Alabama as a four-star recruit from Mississippi.
Former head coach Nick Saban had praised Oatis' development during the 2023 season.
“Our plan for every player is to develop them, help them build and grow to be the best player they can be,” Saban said in September. “Now some players really buy into it and do all the things that they need to do to do it, and Jehiem’s a guy that’s done that: got himself in better shape, can move better and can rush the passer better. He’s got more versatility as a player whether he plays five technique, nose, two technique, three technique. He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and I think his quality of improvement and his play and consistency has been really outstanding.”
The Crimson Tide will continue their preseason camp on Thursday, preparing for their season opener against Western Kentucky on August 31 in Tuscaloosa.
