Being only 5 feet, 7 inches tall and the shortest player on the Spartans’ football team, senior wide receiver Thai Cottrell has proven that his height is no barrier from shining on the field.
Born and raised in the city of Oceanside, California, Cottrell fell in love with the sport at an early age. Inspired by Michael Vick, Cottrell started playing tackle football at the age of 9 and was surrounded by older guys who loved the sport.
Wide receiver, Trevon Hartley talked about Cottrell’s character on the field, “He has a lot of dog in him. I’m glad that he is getting the recognition that he deserves.”
Cottrell stands out for his work and dedication he puts on each game.
Head coach Brent Brennan said, “He finds different ways to impact the game, whether as a receiver or a running back.”
Jersey No. 22 on the field, Cottrell is feisty, gets serious and proves everyone wrong.
“For me to just go out there and inspire guys as short as I am to go and pursue their dream, that’s what I like to do,” Cottrell said.
His decisive characteristic is evident on kick-off returns. Cottrell ranks ninth nationally in return yards. Cottrell proves his dedication and hard work can take him everywhere.
“He’s playing his best football season as a senior. He’s been working hard, improving himself, getting better and better,” said Brennan.
Cottrell currently averages 28.6 yards per return and has a total of 457 return yards on the season.
“It doesn’t matter what people say about you. It’s all about what you know and believing in yourself,” Cottrell said.
Being the oldest in his family, Cottrell knows the importance of role models and excelling in every aspect of his life. His younger sister inspires him to be better.
“Leah is who keeps me motivated to play football every day,” Cottrell said.
Though his serious personality characterizes him, Cottrell likes to be with his friends and have fun. Hartley met Cottrell their freshman year when they lived in the Joe West dormitories. Ever since then, they have been good friends.
“Off the field, he’s a goofball. We like to joke around and like to watch football together,” Hartley said. “I tell him he’s an idiot all the time,” he
jokingly added.
Cottrell added that his friends are everything to him and that he likes to support his loved ones.
“He’s been there for me off the field. He is an everlasting friendship,” Hartley said.
Now in his fifth season with the team, Cottrell has managed to balance practices and games with school and homework. He is pursuing a degree in communications and plans to become a firefighter.
“Education is huge for me. I’m the first one on my dad’s side to graduate college and that’s a huge, important thing to me,” Cottrell said.
Cottrell currently has 206 receiving yards on the season with one touchdown and aims to bring more to the Spartans’ offense in the four remaining season games.
The Spartans will head to Wyoming for a showdown with the Cowboys on Saturday at 12 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium.
