Signee Spotlight: On300 LB Cole Sullivan goes in-depth on signing with Michigan, enrolling early

On300 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan has submitted his National Letter of Intent and is officially signed with Michigan after being verbally committed since May.

The Wolverine’s Zach Libby caught up with Sullivan to discuss his decision, why he stayed solid with the Wolverines throughout the process and more. Watch the exclusive interview above.

Sullivan Recruitment

Michigan hosted Sullivan and his family on two unofficial visits this past March, which resulted in the senior committing to the three-time defending Big Ten Champions two months later.

He chose the Wolverines over notable offers from Notre Dame, Stanford, Pitt, Miami, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Oklahoma, Utah, Syracuse, Louisville and others.

“They talk about the potential of him playing multiple positions, depending on his body maturity and all that,” father Roger Sullivan told The Wolverine. “It’s exciting, right? Then, to be there on such a big weekend. There were a ton of people, but they took the time to stop by and greet us. Not just the coaches, but the recruiting staff. Cole has been to every single home game, so I felt like they enjoyed seeing Cole again and really showing him that they knew him. Not just because he’s a name on a card or just a commit, but they’ve gotten to know him because he’s been there so much. It was comforting and it felt like a family. I can tell that Cole feels right at home. That’s the feeling and vibe I got. It’s a good feeling.”

Former linebackers coach Chris Partridge was essential in Michigan landing a commitment from Sullivan, who, despite Partridge’s release in November, never wavered on his pledge and ultimately believed in the direction of the program.

“I’m still bought in and 100 percent on my decision,” Sullivan told The Wolverine. “One of the best things about this team is their ability to roll with the punches and ability to adapt to everything that’s going around them. One of the great sayings I’ve heard is, ‘You take what’s given to you and make the most out of it.’ I think this team has done that, given the circumstances.”

Sullivan finished with 105 total tackles, 7 for a loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 blocked punts this past season. Offensively, he caught 29 catches for 332 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Sullivan, who received WPIAL Class 6A first-team defense honors, would lead Central Catholic to 10 wins and an appearance in the PIAA 6A playoffs.

He’s set to enroll early.

At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Sullivan is ranked as the No. 185 overall prospect and No. 11 linebacker in the country, according to On3. He’s also the No. 5 player in Pennsylvania.

Scouting Report

“Cole is a fantastic football player. He’s a baller. He always finds ways to affect the game. He can run sideline-to-sideline. He made some impressive plays when I going through his film. I thought he had some really impressive plays because of his instincts, 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 getting bigger, but man, once he gets stronger, he can be put in Michigan’s defense and be a big-time multi-year starter type.” – On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power

Michigan 2024 Recruiting Class

Michigan has 27 signees in its 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 17 nationally, per the On3 Industry National Team Recruiting Rankings.

Among the notable commits in the class are Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis, Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, On300 Rochester (Mich.) Adams tight end Brady Prieskorn, On300 Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park EDGE Devon Baxter, On300 Austin (Tex.) Vandegrift offensive tackle Blake Frazier, On300 West Charlotte (N.C.) High linebacker Jaden Smith and four-star Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth linebacker Mason Curtis.