re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

4-star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis commits to Alabama

Alabama landed another big prospect from the state of Louisiana on Tuesday.

Phidarian Mathis, a top defensive lineman from Monroe, La., announced his commitment to the Crimson Tide. He chose Alabama over LSU and TCU.

"I chose Alabama because they treated me like a king over there," Mathis told NOLA.com's Andrew Lopez. "I feel like I fit into the system."

Read the full story from NOLA.com

Mathis also noted that he never spoke with LSU defensive line coach Pete Jenkins.

The 6-foot-4, 287-pound Mathis is a four-star recruit in the 247Sports composite. He's ranked No. 99 nationally, the No. 7 defensive tackle and as the No. 4 prospect in Louisiana.

The pickup was huge for Alabama, which needs defensive linemen for this class. The Crimson Tide are also finalists for five-star defensive linemen Aubrey Solomon and LaBryan Ray, who announce tomorrow, and in the running for four-star defensive end/JACK linebacker Jarez Parks.

Alabama early enrollee Dylan Moses and current commitment Christopher Allen are also from Louisiana. Kicker commit Joseph Bulovas is also a Louisiana native. Junior college transfer Isaiah Buggs is originally from Louisiana.

He announced at the grave site of his cousin, Tyrell Cameron, who died after injuries sustained in a football game in 2015.

Mathis is currently commitment No. 25 for Alabama.

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