Nick Saban praises overall development, progress of Alabama DL Jaheim Oatis

Alabama has multiple stars along the defensive front but on the inside, Jaheim Oatis takes the cake. In just his second season with the program, Oatis has been a contributor for head coach Nick Saban from the beginning. His progress and development have been something Crimson Tide fans have been tracking for a couple of years now.

Saban was asked about Oatis during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference, continuing to speak highly of the defensive lineman. He did talk about how there has been a position change in 2023, giving him a role further outside. Previously, Oatis was playing straight up on the opposing team’s center.

“He’s a good player,” Saban said. “He’s played really well for us. Had a great attitude, works hard in practice. He’s become a better pass rusher. We played him at nose last year and this year, we’re playing him at 3, 4, and 5 technique. He’s adapted well to it and done extremely well.”

The position change for Oatis is an interesting one. He officially weighs in at 320 pounds, down from nearly 350 when he was a true freshman. Oatis’ weight loss journey has been well documented since he stepped foot in Tuscaloosa. Being a bit lighter could have made Saban more comfortable playing Oatis in more of a pass-rush role.

Nose tackle was where he used to play but per Saban, he is now lining up at least on the outside shoulder of the guard. The furthest outside Oatis will appear is just outside of the offensive tackle and make up a deadly combination with the skilled pass rushers Alabama has at its disposal.

From a statistical standpoint, Oatis has recorded eight tackles this season but has not finished a play by taking someone down in the backfield quite yet. The only other statistic record is a pass defended, likely coming at the line of scrimmage. Something positive is surely set to come in the coming weeks.

There is more to being a good pass rusher than recording sacks, though. There could still be an adaptation period for Oatis too, playing a new position along the Alabama defensive line. Just getting into the heart of SEC play, his presence will be even bigger over the coming weeks.

Saban is happy with how things are going thus far for Oatis. Once fully settled in, the potential of Oatis is a scary thought for the rest of the conference.