Before the season, Jaheim Oatis had the rare distinction of being named a starter as a true freshman on a Nick Saban-coached defense. Oatis, who has been a known commodity since he was in middle school due to his ridiculous size and stature, arrived at Alabama last spring and completely transformed his body in order to become an every down player on the interior of the defensive line for the Crimson Tide.
His young career is off to a wonderful start, making his presence known in every game so far. On3 has recognized him on the midseason true freshman All-American team list, and last week, 247Sports named him as the true freshman of the week. It is rare that you see someone so young making such a big impact for an Alabama defense that is certainly not lacking in talent. Check out some of his plays:
@JaheimOatis doing dirt putting in work pic.twitter.com/mPBt4hB33j
— Coach D (@CoachD_UAC) October 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/FTBeard7/status/1576313358323630080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1576313358323630080%7Ctwgr%5Ec003bf0c8262315a827ef686f3ce9fb62ad32318%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F247sports.com%2FArticle%2FAlabama-football-defensive-tackle-Jaheim-Oatis-is-the-247Sports-True-Freshman-of-the-Week-194630259%2F
Well here's @AlabamaFTBL Freshman DL Jaheim Oatis taking out 4 offensive lineman… pic.twitter.com/D7VZgFc8og
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 7, 2022
Look at this get-off from Jaheim Oatis (91). This guy is 340+ showing explosion off the snap. No wasted movement working his way around the LG to make a play.
With Anderson (31) squeezing the LT and To’oTo’o (10) working through the would-be blocker, RB had no chance. Good D. pic.twitter.com/Yted8W3YgU
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) September 26, 2022
Tossing aside a double team and making the tackle. It’s @JaheimOatis season. #CollegeFootball #RollTide #AlabamaFootball
— The Bama Standard Network©️🐘 (@TheBamaStandard) September 26, 2022
Simply put, Oatis is an absolute beast. Asked about Oatis’ potential before the season, Will Anderson stated “Sometimes I get distracted watching film and watching him take on blocks he’s like a still wall, he’s not moving, he gets those 1on1s and he’s in the backfield so fast it’s awesome to watch.” High praise from one of the best players in college football.
With at least two and a half more years at Alabama, Oatis has the chance to solidify himself as one of the most productive interior defenders that Nick Saban has ever coached. He has the potential, he has the ability, and he clearly has the work ethic. Tide fans should start paying closer attention to #91 on Saturdays.
