Phidarian Mathis explains reasoning behind increased sack production in 2021

Following a breakout season at Alabama, defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Mathis erupted onto the scene last season, leading to him being selected so early.

Following his selection by the Commanders, Mathis broke down what went into his breakout season at Alabama. To him, he just stepped up when he was given an opportunity, and the rest is history.

“It was just motivation, man,” Mathis said. “For me, I knew what time it was, I knew it was time for me to step up. I finally had my chance to be a starter, I found out I had my chance not to sit behind so many guys. There were so many guys that came through that I had to sit behind, I had to wait my turn. So it was finally my turn and I think I stepped up when it was time to step up and when they needed it the most.”

Mathis played a key role on Alabama’s defensive line throughout his four-year collegiate career, though most of that came as a backup. As a freshman in 2018, he totaled 18 tackles and one fumble recovery. In 2019, Mathis had 27 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. As a junior, he totaled 31 tackles, tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble.

When Mathis was given a larger role last season, he ran with it. In 14 games as a senior, he totaled 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.

Mathis sees some familiarity on the Commanders defense

When Mathis begins his NFL career with the Commanders, he will be far from the only Alabama player on the Washington defense. The Commanders also have former Alabama stars Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, two players that Mathis is familiar with.

Having the opportunity to team up with two defensive stars that he has a prior relationship with already is something that Mathis is very excited about.

“Most definitely, that’s a blessing,” Mathis said. “Those are my big bros. I just talked to Jonathan Allen at the A-Day game and Payne, we talk all the time. So man, it’s a blessing to be back with Payne and also getting a chance to play with Jonathan Allen, because he left when I was coming into Alabama. So that’s another blessing for me and my family. I can’t wait to get around those guys and just learn from them also just come in and help them out.”