Top early school covered, SEC a factor for four-star 2025 DL Kevin Oatis
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
BRADENTON, Fla. – The recruiting process is still wide open for Kevin Oatis but the 2025 prospect is developing early ideas on what he wants with a favorite in the clubhouse. College teams have extended 18 scholarship opportunities to the Hattiesburg (Miss.) four-star defensive lineman with more offers on the horizon.
The offseason is about the grind, and Oatis is getting after it.
“I’m working on being more explosive, better pass rush moves, turning my hips, watching the ball, and being more physical than I already am,” Oatis said.
The extra work is drawing recruiting interest from teams like Oklahoma, Oregon, Wake Forest, and Louisville. All may have an uphill battle against SEC squads.
“I have visited Bama, A&M, LSU, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss,” Oatis stated.
Asked if the SEC is a factor in his recruitment, Oatis replied, “Yes, sir. The SEC, that’s where the players are. The Big Ten has great players, but the SEC, that’s where the NFL is.”
The time spent in Tuscaloosa was well spent.
“It went great,” Oatis shared. “I loved the environment. It was a Junior Day; I’m an aspiring chef, we had a little cooking session. We talked to the players and went around the campus, things like that.”
Following up on the back of the restaurant aspirations, Oatis covered some of his dishes and what has motivated him to pick up cooking.
“Everything – pasta, I can grill; I can do a lot of things,” Oatis said. “Anything Cajun I can do. My grandparents, all they do is cook. When I was young watching them and my parents, that’s why I’m interested in being a chef. After football I want to do something involving cooking.”
Picking back up on Oatis’ recruiting journey, the trip to Baton Rouge was detailed.
“It went great,” Oatis stated. “I was there for a camp. After the camp, I saw a few things. I loved the environment and the players; I loved everything at LSU.”
The Aggies have an early edge on the competition.
“They are my No. 1 school with relationships,” Oatis shared. “The relationship is there, and not just with the defensive staff but with the entire coaching staff. It is a great place to be. Everyone who goes there says they have a great environment and that they are a family orientated school.”
Another round of trips is being set for the four-star.
“I am supposed to go back to A&M, LSU, I am supposed to go to Georgia, Bama, Florida State, and Florida,” Oatis stated.
The Gators’ defensive focus is of interest to Oatis.
“They have a lot of great pass rushers, and their defense is great,” Oatis said. “They just had a player taken in the draft. They take pass rushing very seriously there; they take defense very serious there.”
Outside of the SEC circles, the Seminoles have Oatis’ interest.
“I want to go there,” Oatis shared. “A lot of people I have talked to about Florida State have said nothing but great things about Florida State.”