Alabama starting defender in a walking boot before South Florida game
Alabama football may be without one of its key defensive linemen for its first road game against South Florida.
Sophomore defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis was spotted pregame with a walking boot on his left leg. While the Crimson Tide went through warmups in shorts and t-shirts, Oatis was wearing his No. 91 road jersey and dapped up teammates.
Alabama defensive lineman Jaheim Oatis didn’t warm up with teammates before Alabama took on South Florida on Sept. 16., 2023.
Oatis has recorded seven tackles through two games, including one pass breakup. Behind him on the Tide’s depth chart is senior Tim Smith. Other options on the defensive line include Damon Payne Jr. and Jah-Marien Latham.
Junior defensive back DeVonta Smith, who has yet to appear in a game this season with his own foot injury, wasn’t practicing either but no longer wore a boot.
Saturday’s kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST in Tampa. The broadcast from Raymond James Stadium will air on ABC.
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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].