After making an impact as a nose tackle for Goddard, Corbin Sullivan is ready for a new challenge this season.
The senior defensive lineman will move from nose tackle to defensive end, a position change he believes will allow him to use his speed and athleticism in new ways.
“I am excited to see how the Juniors are going to be stepping up to fill in our shoes and how I will be playing a new position,” Sullivan said. “I went from nose tackle to defensive end for this season. I am excited to see how my speed will help with this new position change.”
Sullivan enters the season with confidence after a strong junior campaign. From the nose tackle position, he recorded 52 total tackles, including 33 solo tackles and 19 assists. He also finished with eight tackles for loss and five sacks.
His performance earned him several honors, including honorable mention All-League defensive line recognition, first-team All-Division honors at nose tackle and a varsity letter every year he has played.
To prepare for the upcoming season, Sullivan has spent his summer building strength, improving his technique and developing his overall game. Goddard’s offseason program began as soon as summer started with strength and conditioning workouts focused on weight lifting and speed training.
“We start right after summer starts for strength and conditioning,” Sullivan said. “Great opportunity for weight lifting, speed training and to keep ourselves in great shape for the season.”
Sullivan has also balanced football preparation with work as a plumbing apprentice, where the physical demands of the job have helped him continue to grow.
“I also got a great full-time job as a plumbing apprentice and the physical nature of the job helps build confidence as well as more muscle,” Sullivan said.
Along with working and training, Sullivan has attended football camps and played pickup games with teammates and friends to stay sharp heading into the season.
While physical preparation remains important, Sullivan is also focused on improving the mental side of the game. He wants to continue developing his football IQ, focus and technique as he transitions to defensive end.
“I am wanting to work on my mental focus and ball IQ,” Sullivan said. “I also want to keep working on my hand placement as well as hip movement.”
Sullivan has already started working toward those goals by staying consistent in the weight room, maintaining his diet and hydration, and adding new exercises to his routine.
This season, Sullivan has set personal goals of recording at least 10 sacks, maintaining strong grades and helping younger players understand the expectations of the program.
“My goal for my team is to stay motivated, positive and confident,” Sullivan said. “I would love to see my team make the playoffs again this season and to take it all!”
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