RICHMOND, Ky. – The desire for a chance to prove oneself is a sentiment shared by many high school student-athletes with dreams and aspirations of reaching the collegiate level.
 
For many, the chance simply does not materialize for one reason or another. For others the opportunity presents itself and it is not taken, but there are a few that when presented with the chance to prove themselves rise to the occasion and show their true potential.
 
One of Eastern Kentucky University's linebackers is one such student-athlete, his name is Braden Sullivan.
 
"I've loved the game of football ever since I was a kid," said Sullivan regarding where his passion for the game began. "When I was five years old my dad took me to my cousin's game, and I was hooked. I asked my dad if we could talk to the coach that day about me playing."
 
He was hooked. If Braden was not fishing or hunting, he was working on or studying the game of football with the dream of playing at the next level.
 
"I always wanted to play Division I football," said Sullivan. "Going through high school and not having too many offers was frustrating because I knew the kind of player I was and what I could do."
 
Despite a stellar career at New Smyrna Beach High School in Florida that included a senior season with 128 tackles and all-state honors, Sullivan did not receive many looks from Division I football programs.
 
The Sunshine State product was not deterred however, choosing to take an opportunity to play at Highland Community College, a junior college in northeast Kansas.
 
"There are some people that look down on JUCO, but really I loved my time out there," said Sullivan. "Yeah everyone wants to be able to get out to a higher four-year school, but I am a country boy so being out in Kansas wasn't that tough."
 
With his goal of playing Division I football still in front of him, Sullivan took his chance at the junior college level with both hands recording 82 tackles, 13 for loss, and three sacks in his one season at Highland earning All-KJCC recognition.
 
His performance on the field caught the attention of many coaches across the country with many beginning to recruit the linebacker hoping to sign a potential diamond in the rough.
 
Coaches Jake Johnson and Derek Day of EKU were among those looking to sign Sullivan, inviting him for an official visit to Richmond hoping it would seal the deal.
 
"Really it was my visit to EKU that sold me," said Sullivan. "At the time I was even considering staying at Highland for another year, but the way I was treated by everyone when I came here made the difference. It's beautiful here and I've just loved it."
 
Sullivan arrived in Richmond ahead of the 2024 season having achieved the goal of making it to a Division I team, but he was not done. He wanted a chance to show that he belonged on the field.
 
"When I got here, I knew I was joining a pretty talented linebacker room," said Sullivan. "I knew the kind of player I was though, and was confident I was going to get reps rotating in."
 
Sullivan was asked much more than just to rotate in however after two injuries struck EKU's starting interior linebackers, the Florida boy was pushed into the starting role.
 
Another opportunity he has maximized to its fullest extent.
 
Through ten games this season, the first-year Colonel leads the team in tackles with 74 with 17 coming in a career-high game against Southern Utah. Additionally, he has had two tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, putting the United Athletic Conference and all of FCS on notice.
 
"When I play, I'm hungry and hunting," said Sullivan. "I know I'm a strong player, both physically and mentally. I think I am very good at playing instinctually and enjoy being out there. We have a lot of great leaders, and as an interior linebacker, I must be one of those guys, communicating both on the field and on the sidelines. I want to be the best, All-American every season, and I want this defensive unit to be rated as one of the best in the country."
 
It is safe to say that with only two games remaining in this season, Sullivan has put himself and helped the Colonels be in a position to achieve those goals having taken his chance and proving himself on the fertile soil of the Bluegrass State at EKU.