RINGGOLD, Ga. — Cole Runion’s days of being picked on on the football field are likely over.
Being responsible for five turnovers in two games has a way of taking care of that sort of thing for a 5-foot-11, 150-pound defensive back.
The Ringgold High School senior safety has changed that narrative early in the 2024 season. He was an obvious target in game one against Dade County, but to quote “Nuke” LaLoosh from the 1988 movie “Bull Durham”, Runion was able to announce his presence with authority — and then some.
In a contest where the Tigers lost four key starters to injury, Runion turned the game their way with three interceptions, one forced and recovered fumble, five tackles and three assists in a 23-13 win.
“That game was amazing,” Runion said. “I was in the right place at the right time, but I still had to make the plays. The first interception felt really good because I read it, and then my confidence grew. It seemed like they were targeting me, but I don’t worry about that stuff.”