The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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PLAYER BIOS ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ MARCH 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 41 tackles and 4 sacks and also logged 36 receptions for 450 yards and 9 touch- downs en route to being named to the Pennsylvania Football News Class 6A All-State team. Sullivan finished as Michigan's third-highest ranked 2024 defensive signee, per On3's scouts (No. 112 nationally). "One thing that we talked about a lot was his athleticism," said Central Catholic head coach Ryan Lehmeier. "He plays with great leverage. When he makes tackles, that player is go- ing backward. For someone as tall as Cole, it's easy to sometimes play high at times. "He's a superb athlete. He bends well at the hips, ankles and knees. With his movement at linebacker, I think he's getting more and more comfortable at the position. A lot of the movement is instinctive, but he's learning more be- cause he's more experienced." Sullivan will have a jump-start on his physical development as an early en- rollee at Michigan. He will also have an opportunity to refine his game under new defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale, who brings plenty of NFL experience. With his skill set and position flex- ibility, Sullivan, who participated in playoff practices this winter, will have a chance to make an early impact in Ann Arbor and show why he was one of the true gems of Michigan's class. "I'm excited to get started early," Sul- livan said. "I'll be getting in the weight room and the classroom. I'll go through spring ball and get some more experi- ence under my belt before the fall sea- son rolls around. "I can see myself anywhere on the field. I would say edge or outside line- backer. I just want us as a defense to be dominant and on top every year." ❑ 2024 Projection Sullivan is a versa le defensive prospect who has the length to come off the edge and could get into the rota on as a pure third-down pass rusher. He did an excellent job at the high school level when he pinned his ears back and got a er the quarterback. Sullivan will likely need to develop in the strength and condi oning program before making a true impact at linebacker but should be ready by his second year. He is currently listed at 200 but can easily carry another 30 pounds. Sullivan is best suited for a hybrid role that will allow him to move between linebacker and edge. STATISTICS Year Tackles TFL Sacks 2023 105 7 4 2022 117 7 2 Year Rec. Yds. TD 2023 36 450 9 2022 13 289 1 2021 29 332 8 HONORS • PrepStar All-Eastern Region (2023). • Two- me Pennsylvania Football News Class 6A All-State (2022-23). • Twice named WPIAL All-Conference (2022-23). RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan on May 12, 2023, a er receiving offer in February 2023. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Miami, Notre Dame and Penn State. • Recruited by former U-M linebackers coach Chris Partridge. DID YOU KNOW? • Enrolled early at Michigan. • Two-way player in high school at linebacker and wide receiver. • Also le ered in baseball and basketball at Central Catholic. • Enjoys bowling. • Son of Roger and Christy Sullivan. • Born September 25, 2005. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "Cole is a fantas c football player. He's a baller. He always finds ways to affect the game. He can run sideline to sideline. When I was going through his film, I thought he had some really impressive plays because of his ins ncts, range, effort level and ability to see things quickly. A guy who, if you just put him out there, he'll make plays. "He's going to need to keep ge ng bigger, but once he gets stronger, he can be put in Michigan's defense and be a big- me mul -year starter type." COLE SULLIVAN LINEBACKER 6-3 • 200 CENTRAL CATHOLIC PITTSBURGH RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 289 21 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 112 7 4 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 75 20 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 36 14 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 232 9 6 INDUSTRY Sullivan and his parents, Christy and Roger, all felt a family connection and vibe at Michigan. PHOTO COURTESY COLE SULLIVAN