On Thursday, an interesting conversation was sparked on Twitter from an Alabama defensive lineman.
During his tenure as the head football coach of the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban has made a living off snatching the best talent from Louisiana in recruiting. Alabama signed Phidarian Mathis in its 2017 class, and he’s become a staple on its defensive front.
RELATED: Report: Alabama to add a former ACC defensive coordinator on staff as a defensive analyst
He’s coming off a strong junior year that witnessed him total 31 tackles (five for loss), 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, and one forced fumble. Mathis is coming back for a fifth season, and he explained on social media his choice to leave home for a better opportunity. Javon Baker, a sophomore wide receiver, understood the upperclassman’s message.
A native of Powder Springs, Ga., Baker played in nine games last year. His two receptions for 15 yards came against Arkansas, but he is expected to have more of an impact next season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder was a superstar at McEachern High School, which is 85 miles west of Athens, Ga. He held scholarship offers from many schools, but his top choices came down to Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio State. He chose the Tide; however, the SEC program in his backyard did not want him.
Despite a four-star rating, Baker did not receive an offer from the Georgia Bulldogs.
RELATED: Trey Sanders’ rehab is moving nicely at Alabama as he’s running on the anti-gravity treadmill
According to his response on Twitter to Mathis’ statement, Baker wants to make Georgia pay.
Shid University of Georgia ain’t even offer me as I receiver . . . https://t.co/a1L02wSRfu
— 5 (@javondbaker7) March 5, 2021
He brings size, toughness, strong hands, speed, and good routes at the position. Baker has improved as a blocker and will see action either at “X” (split end) or “Z” (flanker) in the fall. He has his motivation and Baker is ready to attack at spring practice.
Alabama will open its spring camp on March 19.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
