A big leader for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team was drafted by the Washington Commanders with the 47th overall pick.

Phidarian Mathis dominated up front during his five seasons with the Crimson Tide. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive lineman redshirted his freshman year before wreaking havoc on opposing offenses his last four seasons.   In the 55 games Mathis played in, he recorded 129 total tackles, including 53 unassisted, and 10.5 sacks, nine of which came last season.

Mathis served as one of the Crimson Tide's permanent team captains for the 2021 season.  He was also selected as a second-team All-American honoree, All-SEC second team, and a Reese's Senior Bowl All-American. Mathis was in the mix for the Lonbardi, Nagurski, and Outland awards as well.

His leadership wasn't only displayed on the field however.  Mathis helped out in the community with Habitat for Humanity and holding a school supplies drive at the beginning of the school year for his home town of Wisner, La. His community service was recognized as he was named to the 2021 SEC Community Service Team.

Washington may have a new team name, but it still loves its Alabama alumni. Mathis will join fellow Crimson Tide stars Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne on the Commanders defensive line.

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