One of the most successful pass receivers in N.C. State football history isn't one to panic. Never has been. But this was different. The fear that he might miss the final game of his college career hit Cotchery like a head-hunting strong safety.

"I was scared. I really was," Cotchery said. "I'd had an ankle injury anyway and then that virus hit me. I was just thinking 'Man, I can't miss my last game. Let me get better, just let me get better.' "

He got better. In fact, Cotchery rarely has been better than he was Monday against Kansas in the Tangerine Bowl.

Quarterback Philip Rivers left the Wolfpack's 56-26 rout with the most valuable award. But with 13 catches, 171 yards and a 21-yard touchdown snag, Cotchery made his exit every bit as memorable as that of Rivers.

By night's end, Cotchery had passed Torry Holt in career receptions and became the second ACC receiver ever with 200 career catches and 3,000 yards. The other guy with those kind of numbers was former Florida State All-America Peter Warrick.

"I can't think of a better way for it to end for me," Cotchery said. "Before the game, I just wanted to for us to end this season with a win and set the tone for the guys coming back next season. Personally, I just wanted to play and make sure I had a better night than the last time we were here."

Against Pittsburgh in a loss at the 2001 Tangerine, Cotchery suffered a sprained ankle and caught one pass for a 1-yard loss.

"I'll always look back on that game as a low point," he said.

As State's players and supporters celebrated during the awards presentation Monday, Cotchery's fate had changed to the extent that Pack coach Chuck Amato suggested that his No. 82 jersey should be retired.

It's certainly not a bad idea.

Few, if any, players in State history have better exemplified the ideals of competition and citizenship than Cotchery. When his fellow wide receivers doused him with a bucket of water during the final minutes, it was as much of a tribute to Cotchery's work ethic as a show of celebration.

"We just wanted to give him his special moment," sophomore Richard Washington said. "He's been a great leader for this team. There'll never be another Jerricho."

State wide receivers coach John "Doc" Holliday put it another way: "He's never missed a practice, never missed a class, never failed to be there for his team. It's made him a great player, and it's what will make him an NFL player."

No one expected anything like this when Cotchery left Birmingham, Ala., to join the same NCSU recruit class with Rivers. His speed was considered average, his body build unimposing and his potential limited.

"I've always had to work hard, but that's OK. That's the way my parents have always been," Cotchery said. "They instilled that in me, and that's what I'll keep doing. I'll go home for Christmas and be with my folks, and then I'll get back to Raleigh and get back to work trying to get better and see what happens with the pros."

For now, the outlook is dim. Thus far, Cotchery hasn't even been invited to participate in any of the postseason all-star games. There have been some feelers from the Senior Bowl on Jan. 24 in Mobile, Ala. Rivers, from Athens, Ala., has already been selected to play in the game.

"That would be great if they give me that chance," Cotchery said. "It's in Alabama -- home. I'd love that chance. But if not, I'll just keep working."

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