BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Holy Cross wide receiver Jalen Coker and offensive lineman C.J. Hanson will showcase their talents in a pair of prestigious Bowl games this winter. Coker will compete in the Hula Bowl on Saturday, while Hanson will be playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Feb. 2.
Coker, a three-time All-Patriot League honoree, secured his spot in the Hula Bowl after leading the NCAA DI FCS and tying the League’s single-season record with 15 touchdown receptions. He finished his career at Holy Cross as the program’s leader in touchdown receptions (31) and receiving yards (2,715). In 2023, Coker earned First Team All-America honors from the Associated Press AP) and Stats Perform and was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given to the FCS offensive player of the year.
The Hula Bowl kicks off Saturday, Jan. 13, at noon EST at the UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will be live on CBS Sports Network.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HULA BOWL
The Crusaders’ Hanson earned a spot on the East-West Shrine Bowl roster after helping Holy Cross finish third in the FCS in rushing offense (264.2) and seventh in scoring offensive (36.9). The 2023 team captain was part of an offensive line that allowed the Crusaders to rank eighth nationally in scoring offense (37.4 ppg). The two-time All-Patriot League selection has started 13 games at guard in each of the last two seasons.
The Shrine Bowl will be broadcast live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on the NFL Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb.2.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE EAST-WEST SHRINE BOWL
ABOUT THE PATRIOT LEAGUE
The Patriot League is in its fourth decade of academic and athletic achievement, continually demonstrating that student-athletes can excel at both academics and athletics without sacrificing high standards. The Patriot League’s athletic success is achieved while its member institutions remain committed to its founding principle of admitting and graduating student-athletes who are academically representative of their class. Participation in athletics at Patriot League institutions is viewed as an important component of a well-rounded education.
Prepared by Justin Seplowe