Massive 2022 Lineman Commits to Alabama

Alabama received it’s sixth commitment of the 2022 recruiting class with the addition of four-star defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis. 

The Columbia, Mississippi native from Columbia High School is listed on the 247Sports Composite as the No. 3 best prospect in the state, and the No. 12 best defensive tackle prospect nationally. At 6-foot-4, 349 pounds, Oatis brings massive size to the beginning of Alabama’s 2022 defensive line class. 

Oatis is considered the No.149 overall prospect in the nation. He was recruited away from schools like LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Georgia, with Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding and defensive line coach Freddie Roach working as his lead recruiters. Golding is also credited with earning the commitments of four-star in-state linebacker Robert Woodyard and four star defensive end Walter Bob. 

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Alabama’s recruiting staff has been after Oatis’ commitment for several years, stemming back to when he was in 8th grade when he attended an Alabama football camp. He has held an offer to Alabama since then, and finally decided to commit. 

Oatis’ commitment boosts Alabama’s class ranking to No. 11 nationally. In addition to Woodyard and Bob, it features the talents of in-state running back Emmanuel Henderson, five-star Tennessee quarterback Ty Simpson, and three-star tight end Elijah Brown. 

While Oatis is only the sixth prospect to join the 2022 Alabama recruiting class, the NCAA reportedly voted to end the COVID-19 recruiting dead period earlier this week, meaning  high school prospects will be able to visit campuses in-person again. More visits during the football season could mean more commitments for Nick Saban and the Alabama football recruiting staff.