Alabama staffer Ha Ha Clinton-Dix challenges players redshirting, transferring amid Jehiem Oatis news

Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis announced he will be redshirting the 2024 season on Monday, eventually entering the NCAA transfer portal. Oatis is just the latest across college football to do so but the first in Tuscaloosa. Off the backs of a loss to Vanderbilt, Kalen DeBoer will be without a big body up the middle.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel was first to report the news, saying a factor in Oatis’ decision was not getting playing time. This led Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, a former Crimson Tide player and current staff member, to social media to give his thoughts on the matter.

“Players are opting out to redshirt a year because they didn’t get playing time? What about creating good habits and working on your craft? Just quit. No more reps at practice no more routines? Just go into the portal rusty? Got it,” Clinton-Dix said via X.

He expanded on his original tweet, saying this is more than just an issue inside college football. The Alabama staffer believes a bad example is being set for youthful people.

“It’s not that it’s ruining college football but it’s hurting our youth who need these times to face adversity, develop good habits and character as young men so success carries over into the next chapter of life,” Clinton-Dix said in a follow up tweet.

Oatis broke out as a true freshman and became a feel-good story after dropping weight coming out of high school. But the next couple of years has not gone in his favor, playing in 18 games but only recording 28 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and 0.5 sacks — two years of stats lower than what he produced in the 2022 season alone.

Based on his tweets, Clinton-Dix does not fully support the decision to leave the program at this point of the season. Even so, being the position he plays, Oatis should have plenty of suitors when the portal does officially open after the season.