MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama has had multiple individuals represent the football program at the Reese's Senior Bowl over the last dozen years, but Saturday offered Riley Cole an opportunity to record a first for the Jaguars.

With the game being played at Hancock Whitney Stadium for the first time ever, Cole had the chance to conclude his collegiate career on campus. A member of the American team, he was able to work with the Carolina Panthers' coaching staff throughout the week leading up to once last performance in South's brand-new facility.

"It meant everything.  Having the opportunity to come back here and play my last game in Hancock Whitney Stadium was such a blessing," he said.  "I'm very grateful to Jim Nagy for giving me the opportunity, it was such a special moment."

Cole was able to take advantage of the situation, recording six tackles to finish one shy of sharing game-high honors.  On the National's opening series of the second quarter, the linebacker posted a solo stop for a loss of a yard on second down and added another assist later on the drive.  After leading the squad with four tackles in the opening half, he posted a third-down stop short of the line to gain and a pass break up in the red zone in the third quarter before tacking on a tackle in the final period.

"I just had to calm down, I knew what my keys were," Cole said of the performance.  "My coach, Coach [AJ] Holcomb from the Panthers, did a really good job of telling us everything that we needed to look at.  Being able to focus on my keys really helped me a lot."

Cole will now continue preparations for the National Football League Draft, which is currently scheduled to be held April 29-May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio, as he looks to join former Jaguars Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Rams) and Jeremy Reaves (Washington Football Team) on an active roster.  Returning to Mobile for this week's activities leading into the annual all-star game reinforced what he has believed since coming to South in 2016.

"I've always thought that I can play with anybody, this week helped me realize that I could hang with everybody who was here and that I belong," said Cole.  "I appreciate everybody on the Senior Bowl staff giving me the opportunity to show that."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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