Colorado's Jehiem Oatis Reveals Why He Left Alabama, Rips Kalen DeBoer's Staff
Jehiem Oatis du Colorado reveals why he left Alabama, Kalen Deboer’s staff originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Buffaloese defensive line of Colorado, Jehiem Oatis, began his university career with one of the best programs in the country.
After committing to the legendary coach Nick Saban as a four -star perspective in the promotion of 2022, he thought he would stay in Tuscaloosa until the NFL arrives. But these plans derailed when the training great announced his retirement after the 2023 season. Oatis decided to enter the transfer portal and finally decided Colorado to play for Deion Sanders.
In a recent interview with Pete Nakos of On3, Oatis revealed what took him away from Alabama and why he loves his time to boulder. “I left the Alabama because I came with coach Saban. I took it to heart,” said Oatis. “It was one of my biggest dreams: playing in university football for coach Saban and win a ring. When I heard that he was leaving – no one saw him coming.”
The Alabama hired the former Washington coach Kalen Deboer, like the next Tide Crimson coach. Under the new staff, Oatis felt that he did not belong and realized in mid-season that he had to leave. “The new staff was not for me. And once I discovered that they did not play me, I knew it was time to get up and get out of there,” said Oatis.
Colorado had something that Alabama could not offer. The prime coach and his coach staff experienced by the NFL were ready to shape Oatis as a higher level perspective. But having Warren Sapp attached to the program with daily instructions was the key to the loop of the situation.
“I got an excellent defensive line coach in the SAPP coach,” added Oatis. “I went out here because of the major coaches. And I wanted to play for coach Deion. Seeing our coaches, you know what they did in the league and the inheritance they left there. Like coach Peko, he played 15 years in the League at Nose Tackle. This explains everything there. “
Sanders and its staff have more than 150 years of experience in the NFL, which is most in FBS. Beyond the pro-loan approach, Oatis will be called upon to be a leader in the defensive front of the buffs. It is a role that he is ready to come from the dry to the Big 12 next season.
Related: Deion Sanders shares an encouraging update during the Battle of Health
“I have the impression that it is beneficial for me, and I have the impression of being able to give a lot of help this season,” said Oatis. “And I will have a coach on whom I can depend on and a post coach leading me in the right way.”
Oatis and the buffs open the 2025 season at home on Friday August 29 against Georgia Tech (8 p.m. HE on ESPN).
Related: the upper five -star receiver runs the heads with a reaction to Deion Sanders during the OT7 finals
This story was initially reported by Athlon Sports on June 29, 2025, where it appeared for the first time.
