Cole Tanner shines amongst teammates in blowout win

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The two-sport star from the Wildcats had a huge week on the football field Friday night in the 52-21 blowout win against West Brunswick and he is the first player from the orange and black to be named a 5th Quarter Player of the Week.

“It feels good,” New Hanover Wide Receiver Cole Tanner said. “I’m glad my hard work payed off. We struggled coming out and our defense struggled to hold them but we ended up putting it together and winning, scoring quite a few points against them. I had a few big plays, I’m glad we won.”

The second half was the Cole Tanner show as he scored twice against the Trojans, including the biggest play of the high school week.

“I was behind Freddie Taylor and it tipped right off his fingers and right into my hands,” Tanner said. “I turned around and just started running to the endzone.”

Tanner is one of many playmakers on this loaded New Hanover roster. While he sometimes can get overlooked, he knows having guys like Freddie Taylor and Wiz Vaughan around him only makes him better.

“Their talent helps you be better.” Tanner said.

Tanner is a slot receiver and looks at guys like Cole Beasley and Ryan Switzer, who are also inside guys surrounded by big time talents like Dez Bryant and Ezekiel Elliot, and tries to take what he can from their game and put it into his own. This includes their classy approach in the endzone.

“Just got to do what I’ve got to do,” Tanner said. “Score and you don’t need to celebrate.”

It’s not just football that Tanner excels at. Despite the big plays he makes on the gridiron, he is actually a better lacrosse player. He uses both sports to make him the best athlete he can be.

“I’ve been playing since 8th grade and got recruited my summer going into my senior year,” Tanner said. “I committed in August. They both keep me active and in shape. From lacrosse I probably take my footwork guarding people and put it into running routes and getting past my defenders.”

Tanner’s senior season is far from over given the talent this team has.

“I hope we win the conference and go to the state championship,” Tanner said. “Personally I hope to stay number two in all-area and just keep playing my best.”

Congratulations Cole Tanner on being named our 5th Quarter Player of the Week.