The buzz in the air in Winchester, isn’t just the cicadas, the GRC football team is coming off a season that saw them win a playoff game for the first time since 2019! Our Senior Spotlight athlete this week plays a big part in that success! Cole Rose was an absolute menace on the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals last season, and we got a chance to catch up with the senior defensive lineman, we hope you enjoy!
- What is your GPA? What is your major? Any schools currently looking at you to come play at the next level?
Rose: 4.0, I haven’t decided my major yet, but I am looking to do something in the medical field or business. Yes, I am currently committed to EKU and plan on enrolling in the spring . Others schools I held offers from were Air Force, Army, Columbia, and Penn.
You talked about it, you’ve committed to EKU. What was it about EKU that stood out to make you commit there?
Rose: It really just came down to the relationships I had built with the coaches and being close to my family. EKU felt like home — the way they believed in me, combined with being a consistently strong program, and their vision for the future really stood out. It means a lot that my family will be able to come see me play and be part of the journey. Everything just lined up and felt right.
Sophomore year you had 81 tackles and 14 TFLs, Junior year you finished with 82 tackles and 17 TFLs. What have you worked on this offseason to continue to grow your game heading into your senior season?
Rose: This offseason, I’ve really locked in on improving my get-off, hand placement, and pad level to be more dominant at the point of attack. I’ve been working on exploding off the ball faster and staying low so I can win leverage more consistently. I’ve also focused on refining my pass rush moves and counters to become more of a threat on every down. We recently hired a new defensive coach who has really helped improve my pass rush and overall play. I’m aiming to be more disruptive and consistent up front heading into my senior year.
You all have been practicing for a few weeks now, what’s a team goal that you all have set?
Rose: We’ve been practicing with a purpose, and one of our main goals this season is to win district, region, and ultimately compete for a state title. Last year’s second-round playoff exit didn’t sit right with us, so we’ve been using that as motivation every day. We’re locked in on getting better as a team and living out our “We Not Me” mindset which is putting the team first, holding each other accountable, and pushing each other to be great. Also really just coming together as a team and working as one unit. Everything we do is about making a deeper run and finishing what we started.
We hope you all get out to Winchester to see Cole and his teammates this season lay it all on the field on Friday nights! GRC will open their season August 22nd @ Scott County.
If you have a senior student-athlete you’d like to see featured in our Senior Spotlight, reach out to us on the From Corner2Corner Facebook page, or on X @corner2cornerpc.
Until next time,
From Corner2Corner Boys
