Phidarian Mathis announced Wednesday night that he would be leaving Alabama and heading to the NFL Draft.

While Will Anderson had a monster season and gets most of the love along Alabama’s defensive line, Mathis had a heck of a year, too. Mathis was named one of Alabama’s permanent team captains for the 2021 season. He recorded 53 tackles, including 12 for a loss. He recorded 9 sacks during the season.

Mathis shared his decision on social media.

“Coach Saban, thank you for giving me a chance to represent this University to the fullest,” Mathis wrote on a graphic shared via his Twitter account. “Thank you for believing in me and helping mold me from a young boy into a young man. I’m forever grateful for you, GOAT.

“As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I am excited to see what the future may hold. With that being said, I’ll be declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Roll Tide Forever!”

Mathis, from Monroe, Louisiana, signed with Alabama during the 2017 recruiting cycle. He was ranked as the nation’s No. 7 defensive tackle and the state of Louisiana’s No. 7 overall prospect, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Mathis played in 55 career games for Alabama during 4 seasons.