Fall Camp Spotlight: Cole KozlowskiFall Camp Spotlight: Cole Kozlowski
Conor Kvatek / UCF Athletics

Fall Camp Spotlight: Cole Kozlowski

by Franki Noble

ORLANDO - For most young athletes, football dreams start with a favorite position and a vision of playing it at the highest level. For Cole Kozlowski, that dream took a few unexpected turns that led him to a role he never imagined, but now fully embraces.

A transfer from Colgate, Kozlowski arrived at UCF with a reputation for production and leadership. He led both his team and the Patriot League in tackles during his junior season, establishing himself as a reliable force on defense. But Kozlowski’s path to becoming a linebacker wasn’t typical.

His football journey began at age six with flag football, followed by padded play the next year. As a kid, he tried out several positions before settling into running back. But by middle school, he had his sights set on something else.

“As I got into middle school and high school, I was set on playing quarterback. I changed to that position, and I really loved it and having some control of the game.”

Cole KozlowskiOn the quarterback position
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Kozlowski thrived in the quarterback role, excited to lead his high school team in New Jersey. But during his sophomore year, a hit on a rollout play led to a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury that ended his quarterback career.

Determined to stay on the field, Kozlowski adapted. He became what he calls a “Swiss army knife,” playing wherever his coaches needed him, on offense as a tight end and wide receiver, and on defense as a safety.

When it came time to choose a college, Kozlowski committed to Colgate in a position he had never played: linebacker.

“I never played linebacker before college, not one snap. Once I got to college I got molded into the linebacker I am today. I fell in love with the position and found that quarterback feeling I once had now on the other side of the ball.”

Cole KozlowskiOn becoming a linebacker

Now at UCF, Kozlowski is ready to make an impact in his first season at a Power Four program. He’s embraced the physicality and responsibility of the linebacker role, especially the emphasis on stopping the run, a message that’s been reinforced throughout fall camp. 

Kozlowski is the type of player you will see flying around the field, taking pride in the hustle. “Effort and heart” are what he describes as most important to his game. 

With a fresh opportunity at the highest level of college football, Kozlowski is focused on staying confident, staying consistent and showing what he can bring to the Knights’ defense.

Football_MR_9491_072225_1308238790Cole Kozlowski | Photo by: Matthew Richards
FB_Tanner Pavlovsky_4207_081025_0921538550Cole Kozlowski | Photo by: Tanner Pavlovsky
Football_CK_3606_072225_1258338480Cole Kozlowski | Photo by: Conor Kvatek

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.