Nick Saban updates the development of Alabama defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis

Defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis was one of the more highly sought after players in the Crimson Tide’s 2022 recruiting class. He came into Alabama last year ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 77 overall player in America, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Oatis lost weight last year in order to get more playing time as a freshman. He was also shuffled around at a variety of positions along the defensive line. On Wednesday night in his press conference, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban gave fans a positive update on the progress and development of his sophomore defensive lineman.

Was that the plan all along for Oatis, to expand his role as he developed?

“Jaheim Oatis is doing great. You know, our plan for every player is to develop them and help them develop and grow and be the best player they can be. You know, some players really buy into it and do all the things that they need to do to do it and Jaheim has been a guy that’s done that,” Saban began.

In his first year in 2022, Oatis earned freshman All-American honors, racking up 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack.

“He’s gotten himself in better shape. He can move better. He can rush the passer better. He’s got more versatility as a player, whether he plays five technique, nose–two technique, three technique. And umm, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. And you know, I think the quality of his improvement in his play consistency has been really outstanding,” Saban said on Wednesday evening.

Thus far in 2023, Oatis has tallied eight total tackles and recorded one pass breakup. His best game came against Texas, when he racked up four tackles and one pass breakup.

He played in the Under Armour All-American Game as a high school prospect, earning a spot among the nation’s top high school football recruits. As a junior for Columbia High School (Columbia, Mississippi), Oatis earned a spot on the Clarion Ledger’s all-state team in 2020, after he racked up 65 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, three sacks, and four blocked field goals.

The Crimson Tide currently sit at 3-1 overall on the 2023 campaign. They’ve won two straight after losing 34-24 to the Texas Longhorns on Sept. 9th. Up next, Alabama will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville, Mississippi. That one will be played on Saturday, Sept. 30th. Kickoff is set for 9:00 PM EST.