![Phil Mathis Returning to Tuscaloosa for 2021 Season](http://townsquare.media/site/531/files/2021/01/GettyImages-1295907967.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Phil Mathis Returning to Tuscaloosa for 2021 Season
As the NFL Draft entry deadline is creeping up quickly, Alabama players have been making decisions whether to return to school for the 2021 season or head to the NFL Draft. Alabama redshirt junior defensive lineman Phil Mathis has announced on his social media that he will return to the Capstone for his redshirt senior season.
Mathis tallied 31 tackles this season with five for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He saw more playing time this season following an elbow injury to Labryan Ray. Mathis was selected as defensive player of the week by the Alabama coaching staff for his performance against Mississippi State.
Mathis, a former four-star recruit out of Monroe, Louisiana is a part of the historic 2017 recruiting class. He has contributed as a rotational defensive lineman for the last three seasons for the Crimson Tide. Returning for his redshirt senior season could present opportunities for more playing time in 2021 and an opportunity to raise his NFL Draft stock. The departure of redshirt sophomore Christian Barmore will open up more opportunities to play.
Mathis already earned his undergraduate degree this past December and will look to make progress on an advanced degree next season.
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