ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines linebacker Cole Sullivan reflected on his interception and sack against New Mexico, describing the moments as both exciting and memorable.
“I think the pick I was just more starstruck in the moment, but in the sack I was a little more fired up afterwards, but they were both pretty fun,” said Sullivan.
Sullivan expressed gratitude for the team’s supportive atmosphere.
“I was just so grateful for seeing how excited all the guys were for me and just really in general how excited our guys were for each other that whole game, not just for me, but for everyone making plays. That was great to see out of our team,” Sullivan said.
Jaishawn Barham ejection
Regarding teammate Jaishawn Barham’s ejection, Sullivan called it unfortunate.
“I feel bad just because he’s one of our leaders, and I hate to see him come out of the game. But of course, I had to mentally prepare myself, so I figured maybe I was probably getting some more reps here in the game,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said he was already ready to step in without direct instruction from coaches.
“I was already thinking about getting in the game,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan credited Barham and Earnest Hausmann for teaching him professionalism.
“I learned how to be a pro with everything I do. Take care of my body. It’s not just on the field, but my preparation, prehab, and rehab. All those guys just do everything right,” Sullivan said.
Describing Barham’s personality, Sullivan said, “He’s actually pretty quiet off the field, but he’s a good guy to be around and a really good leader. He helps in the film room and on the field.”
Sullivan expects Barham to come back strong in the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners.
“I think you guys could probably guess, but I think he’s going to be a beast, like always,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the linebacker room is motivated to play for Barham.
“We’re excited to step up and play for him. We’re excited to get him back in the second half. I think we’re just excited for the opportunity,” Barham said.
Body transformation
Sullivan discussed his offseason body transformation.
“The two biggest things were just getting with the strength staff and the nutrition staff. Worked hard with them all offseason. I was talking with Abigail (O’Connor) pretty much every day about body scans and figuring out what to eat. Same thing with (Justin) Tress. We were doing summer workouts and talking about what extra things I should be doing," Sullivan said.
Sullivan added more calories and protein to his diet, particularly in his late-night snacks.
“I don’t track calories. I eat like four meals with snacks in between. Breakfast, early lunch, late lunch, dinner, and almost another meal before bed,” Sullivan said.
When asked about snacks, Sullivan said, “It could be both fun and healthy snacks. Usually just grab some from here, like banana bread or a protein shake, some fruit maybe.”
Sullivan said he does not have a big sweet tooth.
“I have it here and there, but no,” Sullivan said. “I’m trying to steal from Suge (Jyaire Hill).”
Potential starter
On whether he expects to start, Sullivan said, “I’m not the right person to ask that question, but I’m going to prepare myself as if I was starting.”
Sullivan acknowledged the emphasis on depth in the linebacker room.
“I don’t think it was anything we really discussed. We just knew we had a lot of guys wanting to play. It takes a load off the other guys knowing someone is behind us ready to go,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan felt physically ready to play by the time spring ball arrived.
“I flipped that switch where I felt like I could really play here,” Sullivan said.
Nate Marshall
Sullivan praised teammate Nate Marshall’s athleticism.
“He’s very impressive. Obviously, a young guy with some things to clean up, but a tremendous athlete. On my interception, he’s the one that caused it. He’s really the one that made the play,” Sullivan said.
Oklahoma Sooners
Sullivan described Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer as a tremendous athlete and a challenge.
“We have to try to limit his playmaking ability as best we can. We’re excited to see what we can do,” Sullivan said.
Preparing for Jaydnn Ott, who will play more this week, is challenging but similar to any other week.
“It’s kind of hard to prepare for that, but it’s kind of the same as any other week,” Sullivan said.
Asked who hits harder, safeties or linebackers, Sullivan said, “As a linebacker, I’ve got to say linebackers, but I’m sure B Hill (Brandyn Hillman) will tell you otherwise."
On the national attention for the upcoming game, Sullivan said, “Being at Michigan, these are the games you come to play. We’re just super excited to be in this type of game.”
Sullivan emphasized mental and physical preparation.
“This offseason, I really tried to prepare myself mentally and physically, but mentally was just as big a part of it,” Sullivan said.
The Sooners’ matchup will be under the lights in Norman, Oklahoma, as the Wolverines will travel to the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.