During this emotional time in the United States, college football players are finding ways to bond together and build off each other.
Since the NCAA approved of letting athletes in football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball return to campuses on June 1, the University of Alabama football program has been putting in work.
Prior to starting in-person voluntary workouts next Monday, quarterbacks, skill position players (offense and defense) and offensive linemen have conducted practices at the Million Dollar Band facility all week. Videos have been posted on different positional units getting ready for the upcoming season, and one student-athlete is excited to be back with his teammates.
So happy to be back around my teammates?? especially with everything going on around the world. We always build off each other? #RollTide @AlabamaFTBL
— Phidarian (Phil) Mathis???? (@PhidarianMathis) June 5, 2020
Phidarian Mathis, a redshirt junior, arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2017 signing class as a four-star prospect on the defensive line. A native of Wisner, La., he provides versatility at either defensive tackle or defensive end. The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder has played in 27 games – since redshirting his freshman season – including 12 in 2019. After garnering Freshman All-SEC honors in 2018, Mathis had 27 tackles, two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble last season.
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He will be looked upon to contribute more, as Alabama desires to get back to the College Football Playoff and win a national championship.
Much like Dylan Moses, LaBryan Ray and Joshua McMillon, this is an opportunity to Mathis to create marketability for the 2021 NFL Draft.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
