South Alabama football player Anthony Mostella died Sunday in a single-vehicle crash in St. Clair County, according to the Alabama State Troopers. He was 22.
The crash, involving a motorcycle, occurred at approximately 3:40 p.m. about three miles south of Ashville. No other vehicles were reported to be involved, and the crash remains under investigation by state troopers.
Mostella was born May 10, 1988. He wore No. 5 for the Jaguars.
Career at Birmingham-Southern and South Alabama
Before joining the South Alabama program, Mostella played at Birmingham-Southern College, where he was named a second-team All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference running back in 2007. That season he rushed 57 times for 222 yards and two touchdowns and caught 30 passes for 297 yards and another score.
At South Alabama, Mostella was named to the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll at the conclusion of the spring 2009 semester.
Mostella played high school football at Oneonta, where he set a school record with 38 touchdowns and rushed for 2,055 yards. Oneonta compiled a 52-3 record during his four years with the program.
Jones Remembers Former Player
South Alabama head football coach Joey Jones coached Mostella at both Birmingham-Southern and South Alabama. In a statement released through the university’s athletics website, Jones praised Mostella’s character.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s family right now,” Jones said. “I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Anthony at two schools, he was the epitome of a true student-athlete and a tremendous role model to his peers. His character and leadership skills will always be an example for everyone in our program to follow.”
Friends and family members posted messages of remembrance on Mostella’s social media page following news of his death.
South Alabama is building its football program under Jones, who was hired as the Jaguars’ first head coach, and the team played its inaugural season in 2009.
