Not many people would recognize the name Cole Sullivan, but according to Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, they will after this season.
Moore had endless words of praise for Sullivan, a sophomore linebacker for the Wolverines, who has reportedly continued to impress the entire coaching staff in Ann Arbor.
"Cole Sullivan is a guy who continues to climb and continues to make an impact," Moore said. "We feel really good about that linebacker room... He was probably a guy that people weren't talking about, he's a younger guy, but he's a guy who has really stood out."
Last season, Sullivan actually played in 11 games for the Wolverines, as a true freshman, earning just four total tackles (three solo). However, if what Moore said rings true during the regular season, Michigan fans should expect those numbers to skyrocket.
Who is Cole Sullivan?
Coming out of high school, Sullivan was a three-star prospect who committed to the Wolverines over programs like Iowa State, Duke, and others.
During his two-year stint on varsity football, he played snaps on both sides of the ball. Over his dominant senior season, he amassed 117 total tackles, four pass breakups, and two sacks, leading to his status as a three-star recruit.
While his numbers from his first season at Michigan are far from record-breaking, his commitment to the game has reportedly paid off as he continues to climb the depth chart in the highly talented Michigan linebacker room.
Sullivan likely won't be a starting linebacker quite yet, with many veteran players returning for another season with the Wolverines. Senior linebackers Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, and Ernest Hausmann will likely fill the starting roles, at least as the season kicks off and in big-time games.
However, as Michigan rolls through opponents and breaks through with significant leads, don't be surprised to see Sullivan enter games and contribute significant minutes for the Wolverines this season.