Phidarian Mathis has not experienced sensory overload during the jam-packed days of his first training camp.  

"You can be around football all day," the rookie defensive lineman said. "I think that's kind of the [most fun] thing, just coming out here, playing football, knowing that you don't have to stay up late study for a test, or anything like that."  

Though the "student" part of his student athlete life at Alabama has been dropped, Mathis has relationships with a number of guys playing in the NFL that he can learn from. Two of them he gets to see nearly every single in Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.  

"Just really learning how to be a pro," Mathis said when asked what he has been learning from Allen and Payne. "Just watching how those guys come to practice, how they work hard, how they take the game seriously, just watching their leadership, just falling in line, being right behind those guys, and just trying to learn from them every day."  

The mentorship has already made an impact. Wes Schweitzer is tasked with going up against Mathis in practice each day and has found that snuffing him out is no easy task.   

"He's a big, strong guy…He tries hard every day, that's what you want. You don't want people to hire draft picks to show up and just expect they're going to make it," Schweitzer said. "I like his attitude. I like his work ethic. I think he's going to be a great player in the league."  

Having spent his college career in a blue blood program, Mathis does not lack patience and he certainly will not be taking a twiddling-thumbs approach to his time at second string.  

"I'm not a selfish guy, I had to wait my time in Alabama. I was there five years, so I understand what it means to wait," Mathis said. "But you can't look at it like that. You got to look at it like, just come to practice, get better every day, and just be ready when your time comes."

Here's a morning roundup of what the local and national media have to say about the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. All reports, rumors and conjecture are a reflection of the media conversation and are not endorsed or confirmed by the Washington Commanders.

The reports and deals expressed in this article have not been confirmed by Washington, nor do they reflect any insider information from anyone in the front office.

• The Washington Post's Nicki Jhabvala writes about Jonathan Allen's mentality after his Pro Bowl-caliber season.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Sam Howell's upcoming development year.
• The Richmond-Times Dispatch's Michael Phillips catches up with Chase Young after preseason opener, NASCAR weekend.
• The Washington Post's Sam Fortier lists his takeaway from the preseason opener.
• NBC Sports Washington's writes about two standout rookie performances against Carolina.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about Carson Wentz's Commanders' debut.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes gave his takeaways from Washington's first preseason game.
• The Washington Post's NIcki Jhabvala writes that Washington's wide receivers still have plenty to prove this season.
• NBC Sports Washington's Bijan Todd lists five Commanders whose snaps against the Panthers will mean more than most.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux gives five storylines to watch during Washington's preseason game against the Panthers.
• The Athletic's Ben Standig writes about what you should be looking for against the Panthers.
• ESPN's John Keim writes about Carson Wentz improving his chemistry with his pass-catchers.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about Kam Curl's versatility.
• NBC Sports Washington's Pete Hailey writes about Mike Adams, the man in charge of the Commanders' practice playlist.
• The Washington Times' Matthew Paras writes about how rookie Brian Robinson's fighter mentality has helped prepare him for the Commanders.
• NBC Sports Washington's Ethan Cadeaux writes about the developing chemistry between Jahan Dotson and Carson Wentz.

Check Out What's On Commanders.com:

• Training Camp Notebook | Dyami Brown makes four catches as Commanders prepare for second preseason game
• Brian Robinson introduced his physical style to Commanders fans in the preseason opener
• Jon Allen ranks No. 88 on NFL's Top 100 players list
• 5 takeaways from Washington's preseason opener against Carolina.
• Numbers to know from Washington's preseason opener
• Media Roundup | Brian Robinson said FedExField 'felt like home all over again'.
• Instant Analysis | Late Sam Howell surge not enough in 23-21 loss to Panthers
• Competition among Commanders' WRs intensifies ahead of preseason
• 3 keys to Washington's preseason opener against the Panthers
• 4 standouts from Week 3 of Commanders training camp
• Sophie Manning celebrates end of cancer treatment with training camp day full of fun
• Media roundup | Tress Way loves Percy Butler, looks forward to 'watching him hunt' on special team
• 'New best day ever': Cancer survivor Josiah Desper and family cherish a special night out at FedExField
• Training Camp Notebook | Rivera breaks down expectations for Commanders' preseason opener
• From the booth | Bram Weinstein gives his training camp takeaways
• Training Camp Notebook | McLaurin scores goal line TD as timing with Wentz improves
• Hail Mail | Assessing depth at DE and an update on the O-Line
• Commanders announce 2022 home jersey schedule
• Jeff Zgonina named Commanders' new defensive line coach