BLACKSBURG (hokiesports.com) –
After consulting with doctors and the training staff at Virginia Tech, it was determined that Cole should not continue to play football due to a higher risk of further injury to his neck and spine. Per NCAA rules, Cole qualifies for a medical disqualification and will remain on scholarship, although the scholarship does not count toward Tech’s limit of 85.
“I would just like to thank Coach Beamer, Coach Stinespring – who recruited me – and all of the coaches in making my dreams come true,” Cole said. “It truly has been an honor and a blessing to be led by such a highly respected group of people. I would also like to thank my friends and family back home and the entire Hokie Nation, which has supported me throughout my career. It pains me that I will never be able to put the pads on again for this prestigious program and university, but in spite of all this, I will forever be a Hokie.”
“I am disappointed that Michael Cole will no longer be playing football at Virginia Tech,” Tech head coach Frank Beamer said. “Good players with great character are hard to replace. I believe Michael has a great future no matter what road he decides to take.”
Cole, from Roanoke, Va., played in 10 games this past season as a redshirt freshman, making four starts as the nickel back. He earned Academic All-District honors and was an honorable mention Freshman All-American by CFN.com after making 43 tackles and recording two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He led the team with 11 tackles, including one for a 3-yard loss, at North Carolina and recovered a fumble and returned an interception 12 yards against Duke. He also had five tackles and an interception at Clemson.
Cole started against Florida State and made two tackles before leaving the game early with a neck sprain. He did not play the rest of the year.
“Michael has done well after the injury he sustained in the Florida State game,” said Dr. Mark Rogers, head team physician. “Unfortunately, he was still having some persistent symptoms, so he underwent surgery on his neck. He has recovered well and he will continue rehabilitation. We expect him to make a full recovery.”
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Sorry to see him go. I was a the game where he was taken off. As an EMT, I was a little worried, just watching from the stands. Good luck in the future.
A great classy kid, I wish him well in the future and I am sure he will do well
Sorry to lose Michael on the field but proud he’s a Hokie and know he’ll make us all proud regardless!
Reall sorry to hear this. He seemed like he was rounding into a good player.
Health is much more important and wish nothing but the best in the next adventure.
Fine young man from a great family.
Hokie Forever!
This should remind every athlete that academics are more important than sport. Sport can get them an education. The probability of going pro for any athlete is remote and a good education is worth more than a possible million dollar contract. One’s carrier can be over in a nano-second, but an education is with you for life.
I am proud of out teams and athletes, but more proud of all our graduates; be they on the field or court or in the stands. It is nice to see Michael was an Acedemic All-American. He showed his true character in both the classroom and the playing field. May we all live to those two high ideals.
Best of Luck to you Michael, and maybe help coach up the team to excellence. I hope to see you on the side line pushing the guys on and cheering them to victory.
GO HOKIES BEAT ‘bama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is always a last game for every athlete. His career just ended prematurely, but he sounded content and pragmatic He will persevere without any residual effects A classy young man. Good luck in the future
Thank You Mr. Cole! You are a true HOKIE!!
Tough break for a very good young man. I wish him the best.
Good luck Micahel! Coach Beamer is correct – good kids with character are tough to replace!
Thank you for what you mean to our University and to the team Michael! You are indeed a Hokie for life! You made a difficult and very mature decision to hang up the pads.
Enjoy your college years to the fullest, confident in the knowledge that you made the absolute correct decision. College football is great,, but it pales in comparison to the full and successful life you can expect going forward….
Thanks again, and good luck in everything you do!
Michael,
Thank you for choosing to be a Hokie. Good luck in your future endeavors.
What a great lasting memory to see him flat on his back making a great interception. Nothing but the best to a fine young man.
What you do when you are frustrated in reaching your goal tells more about your character than what you do after you reach your goal. Michael Cole is a winner in the game of life, where the stakes are greater. Thank you, Mr. Cole, for your past and future service to Virginia Tech. I wish you every success.
Sorry to see #2 won’t be on the field again. Wish him the very best in all future endeavors.
Tough luck for Mike and the Hokies. From people I know who know Michael, he is the type who has a great future ahead. VT has benefitted and will benefit from its association with Michael Cole.