Interview: College Scouts Missing Highly Productive 2021 California LB Cole Bullock
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is a common theme circling around the state of California this spring, and that theme is an overabundance of next level high school football players being missed on by college scouts. One that sticks out in an almost embarrassing way is Sierra Canyon linebacker Cole Bullock.
Different than many, Bullock should have been a known commodity on the field after his junior season. The 6-1, 218-pound, talent lined up on the outside in the Trailblazers’ scheme aiding his team to a 14-2 record. The defense was stout in 2019 holding opposing squads to 14.8 points per game on average. Bullock earned team Defensive MVP and first team All-State honors after compiling 100 stops, 49 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks, eight QB hurries, six passes broken up, and forced two fumbles.
Being a team player while showing his versatility and athleticism, Sierra Canyon asked him to move inside during his senior season; a request emphatically answered. Bullock romped through the Trailblazers’ 5-1 season this spring producing 48 tackles, 29 solo, with four tackles for a loss, two sacks, six quarterback hurries, three passes broken up, and one forced fumble.
Even with the productivity on the field against some of the nation’s best players and teams, few college programs are aware of Bullock. In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the 3.4 GPA student-athlete covering ground on his season inside the box.
Interview
Cole, the Trailblazers defense was on point after the season opener holding four teams scoreless with Paraclete picking up a safety in the finale. What were you guys doing so well allowing you to stuff the opposition’s offense?
It came down to film, constantly practicing and having our scout team help us. Repetition over and over, the scout team, and watching film. The program that we are, that is how we take it to the next level – watching film.
What set were you guys running?
During each game we’d switch it up. In an odd front we’d go with three down and four linebackers with usually two safeties and two corners. If we were going against a running team, we’d bring in an extra defensive lineman and we’d go a full box. Knowing who we were going against, we’d adjust. If the team we were facing was good at both the run and the pass, we knew how to guard them and play against them as well.
As the tone setter on defense, what were your roles within the scheme?
My main roles were being the person to make the first play. They’d get me on a blitz early to set the tone. They wanted me to set the tone. Overall, my roles were run stopping and make the plays. My coaches schemed to put me in the middle so they could not avoid me.
When did you make the move to middle linebacker from the outside?
Over the offseason. In August, my linebacker coach asked if I wanted to switch to middle linebacker. I was full on in to it. I was playing the Rock position with Drew Watts.
We have the hard hits and the outside blitzes, which other parts of your skillset do you feel sets you apart from other linebackers?
With me, I grew up playing defensive back. When I got to high school I transitioned to linebacker. I feel like I am good at covering because I grew up playing as a defensive back. Coverage is a big thing for me and something that separates myself from others.
I am good at reading my keys and blitzing. Watching film, I pick up on snap count and can time my blitz. I go full head of steam between the gap. Reading the guard and tackle knowing which gap is open, reading it and hitting it full speed.
During the 2020 season, which contest was your best personal game?
Oh man. I’ll say the St. Bernard game or my game against Parcalete game. Against St. Bernard, I had 16 tackles. That was one of my records for personal tackles in a game. The Paraclete game, it was a fun game being out there. That was my last game as a senior. Between the two, I’ll go with the St. Bernard game because of my tackles.
Is there a trait to your game that may get overlooked like your speed?
Funny that you ask because someone mentioned my speed in a previous interview, but I feel that is a strong trait to my game. The best part is when people underestimate my speed and I prove them wrong.
With your offseason workouts, what are you doing to keep pushing yourself forward?
Six days a week I am working out three hours a day. The first hour-and-a-half is speed and conditioning getting my body ready for the next level while keeping my strength. It has been a constant in my program. I am big lifting guy. That is one of my things I like to do.
With that, have you maxed out this offseason?
Yes, I just broke my bench max at 385, that was last Monday. On squat I’m at 485 and my deadlift is at 535.
When you last ran a 40, what did you post?
It was at an Ole Miss camp before my junior year, I ran a 4.6. This past year, I was hand clocked at a 4.5. My speed is overlooked, but is a key factor to my play.
Cole, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you the best of luck with your workouts and your ongoing recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Bullock family; Cole Bullock