Alijah Cota brings proven JUCO production and downhill linebacker juice to SEMO
Cota is a **high-motor inside linebacker** with a track record of making plays near the ball, led by **72 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2024** at Modesto Junior College before earning JUCO All-America honors. SEMO lists him at **6'1, 228 pounds**, and his early FCS impact included **5 tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2025**, which points to a player who can translate active, physical run defense to the next level. He looks like a fit for a defense that values toughness, pursuit speed and a no-nonsense tone in the middle.[2][1]
