College football has gained another extraordinary player, and he is right here in Thibodaux, Nicholls senior fullback Broderick Cole. Better known as “B. Cole,” both on and off the field, the 22 year-old native of New Orleans plays the role of student, athlete and father.
Having played only five games this season, Cole has rushed for 210 yards on 50 attempts and has three touchdowns.
“I feel as though we could be doing so much better as a team at this point,” Cole said. “I could step my game up because we’re going into conference play.”
Cole’s career began at West Jefferson High in New Orleans where his team went 10-1 and won the district championship his senior year; his performance earned him a full scholarship to Nicholls.
As a freshman, Cole started in all games of the season. Cole was named Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, becoming the third player in four years to receive this honor; and was named the Freshman of the Year athlete at Nicholls.
Cole ended his freshman year as the Colonels’ leading rusher. He carried the ball 121 times for 512 yards a game and 4.2 yards a carry.
Cole said his best performance was against Florida A&M, where he rushed for 108 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns. He was also named SLC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.
Cole returned in 2005 as a sophomore and was named to the All-SLC First Team. During his sophomore season, Cole’s 13 touchdowns set a school record for most rushing scores in one season.
“It was a big accomplishment breaking the school record,” Cole said.
Another highlight of Cole’s sophomore year was the Colonels’ beating No. 5-ranked Texas State 32-29 in overtime.
“That game was one of the biggest games I’ve played in my life, and to come out with a victory was very exciting,” Cole said.
Last season Cole started in six games until the Colonels’ Homecoming against Southeastern University, where he suffered a toe injury. Prior to his injury, Cole racked up 241 yards on 58 carries and scored five touchdowns, a team record. Despite sitting out the remainder of his junior year, Cole was named preseason All-American.
“I came into the season a preseason All-American, and I expected to do big things,” Cole said. “When I got injured and had to sit out for the rest of the season, it was a big disappointment.”
One of the things Cole said he was most proud of last season was when he scored the only touchdown against Nebraska.
“They beat us bad, but they didn’t shut us out, and we kept our pride when we walked off the field,” Cole said.
As a Nicholls student, Cole majors in general studies.
“I picked General Studies because I always wanted to own my own business and I am able to take a variety of classes to make myself better-rounded,” Cole said. “No matter what I’ve achieved, football has never been my first priority.”
Cole has also said he gained the respect from his coaches, teammates and peers.
“B. Cole is one of the coolest and most talented dudes I know,” teammate Jamaul Ford said. “If he decides to take his career to the next level, I think he stands a good chance of making it to the pros.”
Cole is also the father of a 15-month-old girl.
“Being a father has impacted me in so many ways,” Cole said. “It has made me strive to be a better student and athlete.” Cole’s daughter lives in New Orleans with her mother. “My daughter is my biggest fan and I am so proud when I see her at my games,” he said.
Cole said he has hopes for making it beyond college football.
“I feel I have a very good chance of making it to the next level,” Cole said. “If I can accomplish that, I believe that I’ll have accomplished everything I wanted in football.”
Cole’s mother, father and siblings are all from New Orleans, but they were relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina.
