How state players fared in Reese’s Senior Bowl

Alabama pivot Landon Dickerson served as captain of the American team at Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, although a knee injury prevented him from practicing during the week and removed him from the pitch for the annual game of the stars.

“He was unable to play, but I wanted to make sure he had a chance to be recognized,” said Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule, whose team dealt with the Americans during the game. “He gave a great energy throughout the week.”

Dickerson was among 14 players from Alabama high schools and colleges who traveled to Mobile for the 72nd annual Senior Bowl tournament. But, as with Dickerson, six of the other players saw nothing in the national team’s 27-24 victory over the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Of the seven state all-stars they played, American linebackers Riley Cole and KJ Britt had the biggest impact.

A highlight of southern Alabama, Cole played on his field for the last time.

“It meant everything,” said Cole. “Having the opportunity to come back here and play my last game at Hancock Whitney Stadium was a blessing. I am very grateful to (senior executive director of the Bowl) Jim Nagy for giving me the opportunity. It was such a special moment. “

Riley made his last home game memorable when the former Oneonta High School star had six tackles, a tackle for defeat and a split pass.

“I just had to calm down,” said Cole. “I knew what my keys were. My coach, coach [AJ] The Panthers’ Holcomb did a great job of telling us everything we needed to see. Being able to focus on my keys really helped me a lot. “

Auburn’s only player in Saturday’s game, Britt had five tackles, including a tackle for defeat.

In the second quarter after the Nationals advanced to a first fall on the American 14-yard line, Britt hit a pass from Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks into the air, and was almost intercepted. On the next snap, Britt stopped Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson for a 1 yard gain in a middle run. The defensive position in a series that started on the American 38-yard line limited the Nationals to a field goal and a 13-0 advantage.

The former Oxford High School star recovered from his loss in the first quarter when he caught Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert’s shot in the backfield for a 3-yard setback.

Cole also faced Herbert behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of 1 yard in the second quarter.

“I always thought I could play with anyone,” said Cole. “This week helped me to realize that I could walk with everyone who was here and that I belong. I thank everyone on the senior Bowl team, who gave me the opportunity to show this. “

Other players with roots in Alabama football who saw action included:

· Alabama guard Deonte Brown (Austin High School) debuted on the left guard of the American team.

· Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins (Clay-Chalkville High School) was the only state player on the winning team in Saturday’s game, but he did not record any statistics.

· Longtime Alabama player Thomas Fletcher handled clicks on four American punts from Kentucky’s Max Duffy. It could have been more laborious, but the Americans tried their fourth drop five times.

· UAB linebacker Jordan Smith recorded three tackles.

· UAB wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. played, but recorded no statistics.

Dickerson is recovering from a knee injury sustained in the SEC Championship game – a 52-46 victory over Florida on December 19.

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones dressed for the game and participated in the warm-up before the game. But he passed the dispute on the American side with Dickerson, after suffering an ankle injury during training on Thursday.

Jones’ absence from the field left the obligations of the American quarterback to Kellen Mond of Texas A&M and Jamie Newman of Wake Forest. Mond won the Most Valuable Player Award for the game.

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith should never play after suffering a finger injury in Crimson Tide’s 52-24 victory over Ohio State in the January 11 CFP championship game. But he participated in training and met with the NFL staff.

Alabama’s running back, Najee Harris, was very difficult when the week started, due to an ankle injury sustained in the national title race.

Also missing from the field on Saturday were Alabama striker Alex Leatherwood, UCF cornerback Aaron Robinson (who played in Alabama as a freshman) and Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, a former Blount High School standout.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @ AMarkG1.