Alabama veteran defensive lineman alters name on team roster and social media

Jaheim Oatis, a former four-star defensive lineman from Columbia, Mississippi, joined the University of Alabama’s 2022 recruiting class.

In 2022, he was named Freshman All-SEC after starting 10 of 12 games. Oatis lost over 400 pounds to 320 pounds, earning him a high-profile position. He had 29 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. Last season, the 6-foot-5 specimen appeared in 13 games, starting three of them.

Oatis missed the South Florida game, but he finished with 26 tackles, a tackle for loss, half a sack, two quarterback pressures, and two pass breakups. He helped the Crimson Tide’s defense win the Southeastern Conference championship and return to the College Football Playoff.

Oatis is in his third season as a position coach under Freddie Roach, but this is his first year as defensive coordinator under Kane Wommack. It’ll be fascinating to watch how he can be explosive in the 4-2-5 “Swarm Defense.”

Oatis introduced something new on social media, as well as the team’s roster. He modified the spelling of his first name, Jaheim, to “Jehiem.”Alabama supporters will have to get used to the minor alteration, but it should not be a big deal.

Oatis and the Tide will start spring practice on Monday, March 4.