Phidarian Mathis is the second Alabama player to declare for the NFL Draft.
After strong seasons in 2020 and 2021, the Louisiana native announced on Twitter he’s turning pro.
Thank You Alabama, I have no regrets. This journey was all worth it!
Big 48 signing out!#builtbybama🐘🌊
Degree 📜 ☑️
Championships 💍💍💍💍💍💍💍☑️
Leadership Development….☑️
Oh and yea I played for the GOAT!!🐐 pic.twitter.com/CpSrT9QbXZ— Phidarian (Phil) Mathis🙏🏾💪🏾 (@PhidarianMathis) January 13, 2022
Mathis increased his draft value in 2021, totaling 53 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, nine sacks, six quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He was a force on Alabama’s defensive line in 15 games.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pounder earned second-team All-American honors via American Football Coaches Association. Mathis received second-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches.
He got tabbed as an All-American by the Reese’s Senior Bowl, and Mathis earned permanent team captain honors from his peers for the Crimson Tide. He accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl and will compete in Mobile, Ala.
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Mathis finished his career with 129 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, and five breakups in five seasons at Alabama. He won two College Football Playoff National Championships (2017, 2020) and three SEC Championships (2018, 2020, 2021).
Mathis arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2017 signing class as a four-star. He projects as an early Day 2 (second-round) pick, but Mathis could be a late first-rounder if he performs well at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.
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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.
