LOOK: Washington Commanders reveal jersey numbers of former Alabama stars
The Washington Commanders certainly have a type. The franchise always seems to gravitate towards stars from the University of Alabama, but who can blame them. During the 2022 NFL Draft, they stuck to the sound strategy — bringing defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis and running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Crimson Tide to the Commanders.
While waiting to make another selection on Day 3 of the 2022 NFL Draft, the franchise revealed the jersey numbers of the former Alabama stars turned Commanders draftees. According to the franchise’s Twitter, Mathis will be rocking No. 98, while Robinson grabbed No. 8.
Moreover, Mathis was selected in the 2022 NFL Draft with the No. 47 overall pick in the second round by the Commanders, while Robinson Jr. was chosen with the No. 98 overall pick in the third round.
First, Mathis saw his first collegiate action in 2018, totaling 18 tackles and recovering one fumble. He then racked up 27 tackles with 0.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble as a sophomore in 2019, and then had 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three passes defended, and one forced fumble in 2020.
This past season was undoubtedly the best yet for Mathis. In 14 games, he anchored Alabama’s defensive line with 53 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
On the other hand, Robinson began his career at Alabama in 2017, rushing for 165 and two touchdowns on 25 carries as a true freshman. He then had 63 carries for 272 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore before upping his production as a junior. In 2019, he had 96 carries for 441 yards and five touchdowns, adding 11 receptions for 124 yards. During the 2020 season, Robinson had 91 attempts for 483 yards and six touchdowns, adding six receptions.
This past season was by far Robinson’s best and put him on the NFL Draft radar, as he rushed 271 times for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging five yards per rush. He also had 35 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Overall, Robinson averaged five yards per carry in his five-year collegiate career. Now he is looking to be the next great Alabama running back to translate his success to the NFL level after being given an opportunity in the 2022 draft.
Now, both Phidarian Mathis and Brian Robinson Jr. will look to take the success and lessons learned from Alabama to the NFL, helping the Washington Commanders after realizing their NFL dreams.