Phidarian Mathis is going after his third national championship at the University of Alabama.
As a member of the 2017 recruiting class, the Louisiana native had a good season in 2020.
He recorded 31 tackles (five for loss), 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, three quarterback pressures, and one forced fumble at the defensive end position. The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder is also trying to improve his NFL Draft value for next year. Mathis is a fifth-year senior with huge goals from himself, and he shared one of those on Twitter. The former four-star wants to pursue his touchdown dance for Tide fans in the fall.
I’m gonna take one to the crib this year!😬🗣🏈 #Linemandreams #claimit
— Phidarian (Phil) Mathis🙏🏾💪🏾 (@PhidarianMathis) May 12, 2021
Jonathan Allen was the last Alabama defensive lineman to score a touchdown. He returned a fumble 75 yards for a score in 2016 against Ole Miss. Da’Ron Payne had a 3-yard fumble recovery for a score in the same game.
During the 2017 College Football Playoff semifinal versus Clemson, Payne caught a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts. His efforts helped the Tide secure a 24-6 victory.
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Alabama’s defense is projected to be strong.
It recently added linebacker Henry To’oto’o from the transfer portal. Players and fans are looking forward to Mathis executing his goal.
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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.
