U. South Alabama student and football player Anthony Mostella died in a June 13 motorcycle crash. The one-vehicle accident took place in St. Clair County, Ala., about 40 miles outside of Birmingham.

Mostella, 22, was a junior running back on USA’s 2009 inaugural football team. He played in all seven games, rushing for 180 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass and made seven special teams tackles.

He was voted a team captain and was also named to the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll for the 2009 spring semester.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Anthony’s family right now,” USA football coach Joey 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.”

Mostella played one season under Jones at Birmingham-Southern College. When Jones was hired to build the South Alabama program in 2008, Mostella transferred so he could follow his coach to Mobile. Earlier in his playing career, Mostella was a standout at Oneonta High School, rushing for 2,055 yards and 38 touchdowns his senior season.

“We are deeply saddened by this event. Anthony has been and will be regarded as an inspirational leader, role model, and stellar citizen,” USA Athletic Director Dr. Joel Erdmann said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his teammates, and his friends.”

South Alabama will open the season Sept. 4 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium against Pikeville College of Kentucky.