Alabama DL Jehiem Oatis is redshirting and entering the NCAA transfer portal

Alabama defensive lineman Jehiem Oatis plans to redshirt and enter the transfer portal, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. He attributed the decision to playing time.

Oatis played in Alabama's first four games but did not see the field in last week's loss to Vanderbilt. According to Pro Football Focus, the junior has played 68 total snaps this year, but has only played 27 combined reps in the Crimson Tide's games against Wisconsin and Georgia.

In his first two years at Alabama, Oatis played in a total of 25 games and made 13 starts.

Alabama's coaches commented on the decision on Monday.

“I had a feeling it was going to go that way,” head coach said Kalen DeBoer. “I think you also have to understand that there are other elements, right? There are health elements. There are elements of life. I love these guys. They work hard. There are reasons for Jehiem's ​​decisions and things, right?

“And so he notified us and continues to be in contact with us here. I kind of had the feeling that maybe it was heading in that direction, not just today or yesterday, but here in the last few days. We're moving forward with the guys who can really help us win while focusing on our program.

“I don’t want to make it definitive, but we always want the best for all people and Jehiem is one of them.”

Added Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack“He's struggled with some injuries and hasn't been able to produce the performance or performance that any of us would like.” But my focus is really on the players who will do everything they can to help us play football games to win, and that’s exactly what my focus is at the moment.”

The NCAA transfer portal officially opens to students on Monday, December 9th.

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