He faced more name, image, and likeness questions than he may have wanted, but Phidarian Mathis is excited about Alabama’s defense for this season.
On Wednesday, the fifth-year senior for the Crimson Tide spoke to reporters at SEC Football Media Days.
Mathis has been impressed by the young players on defense, including Tim Smith. As a true freshman, the native Floridian made some big plays last year in helping the Tide win a national championship. He had 14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one quarterback hurry, and one forced fumble. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder is a fearsome presence in the middle of the defensive line.