Every year, there are National Signing Day stories that stand out from the rest. The verbal commitment of four-star defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis is one of them.

Mathis gave his pledge to Alabama on Tuesday, which in and of itself is ordinary. However, Mathis did so in an unordinary way by holding his ceremony at a graveyard.

The reason was noble. In the fall of 2015, Mathis' friend, Tyrell Cameron of Franklin Parish (LA) died of internal bleeding from a broken neck he suffered during a game. Mathis' commitment to Alabama was held next to Cameron's grave.

Mathis went on to say his relationship with Alabama defensive line coach Karl Dunbar played a key role in his decision. Heading into signing day, Alabama has the No. 1 class in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.