Mathis explains decision
Phidarian Mathis, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, announced his decidion on Tuesday afternoon. He became the latest from the Bayou State to commit to the University of Alabama.
"Alabama is where I felt like home was for me," Mathis said. "I have avreally good relationship with the coaches and players and all the people involved around the football program. I just love it there. It was the decision I wanted to make.
"I informed the Alabama staff around 3 or 4 p.m. today. They loved it. They were happy. They were very excited. They thought I would announce a little earlier. They have been calling and waiting on me to commit. They never pressured me or anything. They were just ready to get down to business.
"In my heart I have been knowing for a pretty long while I wanted to go to Alabama from my first ever visit there. I loved Alabama. It's where my heart was. I took the visits to LSU and TCU. Alabama was where I felt at home."
Mathis announced his decision next to the gravesite of close family member, Tyrell Cameron. His family is also 100-percent behind his decision.
"He was my cousin, but more like my brother," he said. "We grew up together. All season I played my heart out for him every time I stepped on the field. He was always in my head from the start. I am doing this for him and his family. His mom doesn't have a son anymore. She has me now.
"My family is feeling great about my decision. They were going to support me either way. They were going to always be there for me. The decision was all up to me. It was all about what I wanted to do."
Alabama developed a very strong bond with Mathis throughout this recruitment.
"It's a blessing to have a good relationship with the head coach (Nick Saban)," he said. "I also have a really good relationship with the defensive line coach (Karl Dunbar). I communicated really well with the entire staff. I know all of them. I know all the players. It's great to have that kind of relationship.
"All of this is just a blessing. I love everything about it. I am going to do everything I have to do to get to the next level. I am going to work hard in the classroom. I will do whatever it takes."
The Crimson Tide continues to have success in the state of Louisiana. Alabama has a class littered with Louisiana-born products which includes Mathis, Dylan Moses, Isaiah Buggs, Chris Allen, Joseph Bulovas and Alabama hopes to add Rivals100 wide receiver DeVonta Smith on Wednesday.
"They recruit well in this state," Mathis said. "Alabama is like a big home away from home. It's a good place to be from everything I can tell you."
Mathis also gave a shout out to his teammates and coaching staff at Neville High School.
"I love each and all of the guys in our class," he said. "We are blessed to the fullest. Many schools around here don't have teams that sign many players. Some players don't get the same opportunities like we do. We have great coaches. I love everything they did for us. They help us become young men. It doesn't get much better."