North Pocono linebacker Cole West heading to Cornell after senior season

Tagged under: District 2, News, Recruiting

Billy Splain | June 28, 2026

Cole West
Linebacker
6-2, 200
North Pocono
Committed to Cornell

When you hear the name Cole West, you think offense. Then you look at his stats and you think defense. The 6-2, 200 pound West did it all for North Pocono in 2025. But when you see he had 88 tackles, 9 interceptions and 12 pass breakups it really makes you understand just how important he was to the Trojans on both sides of the ball. Cole made his commitment to Cornell on Saturday as a linebacker. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, was selected as ALL STATE by both the coaches and media.

We caught up with Cole to find out about his decision and a little about Cole, the person:

PFN: Why did you choose to commit to them before your Sr season?

Wanted to secure my spot in college but also enjoy my senior season with my boys.

PFN: Who was your biggest influence there. , who recruited you?

Coach Hatcher

PFN: What are they getting in player like you?

A athlete who is hungry to prove people wrong and will work harder than anyone.

PFN: What was the recruiting process like for you?

Very stressful at times. My dad and I were gone every weekend for about two months and then phone calls almost every night.

PFN: What position were you recruited for?

Linebacker

PFN: Do you know what you’d like to study?

Business but hopefully incorporating sports management.

PFN: What role did your parents play in your decision?

They were a huge factor and helped me keep my head clear and what is important for my future. They gave me the space for it to be my decision but definitely steered me in the right direction.

PFN: What do you think is the most exciting thing about the program?

The players believing in Coach Swanstrom’s message of what is to come at Cornell football.

PFN: What are you most looking forward to while playing for them?

Winning a Championship.

PFN: Tell everyone out there in the football world something they’d never know about you until you told them:

I didn’t start playing football until 8th grade. I played soccer and cross country up until then.

PFN: Who is the person who most influenced you in your football career?

Definitely my brother Noah. I followed his lead when he started playing football. And then, my Freshman season I could see the leader he was and wanted what was best for his school and teammates.

Why do you play football?

Because I love the game

What would you do to improve the recruiting process?

Nothing. My dad and I took every step the right way I believe and don’t regret anything.

PFN: What is it you’d like all your high school teammates and fans to know about your decision that you might have a hard time saying in person?

It was the best fit for my future and whether it be football or a degree, I know Cornell will have the best for me.

What are your goals for this coming season?

District Championship and then go win state.

Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community

Last season, I could see how football brought our community together. Fans traveling all the way to Bishop Shannon filling the stands. Lining up watching our bus pull out for games. You don’t see that to often and nobody is more lucky then North Pocono to have our community’s support.

what is your favorite pregame ritual? 

My mom writes me a note before every game that I find in my football bag and read once I’m at the school.

Music of choice:

Country

What is your favorite vacation destination?

I want to visit every MLB stadium so whenever that’s involved in vacation.

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