Eastern Michigan Athletics
Cole Snyder: EMU's New Quarterback, Leader, and Believer in the Underdog Spirit
8/27/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – When senior quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan University, he knew he was embarking on a new chapter in his football career. However, what he didn't expect was how quickly this new journey would become one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life. As he prepares for the 2024 season, Snyder reflects on his path to Ypsilanti, his leadership role, and his excitement about leading the Eagles as their starting quarterback.
"This camp in particular has been some of the most fun I've had playing football," Snyder says with a grin. The senior quarterback, who transferred from the University at Buffalo, speaks about his smooth transition to Eastern Michigan with an infectious enthusiasm. "Since I got here, I instantly made a ton of friends on the team—just my type of guys. The team's filled with a bunch of great people, and you can just feel there's something special in this building."
Building relationships in a new environment is never easy, but Snyder approached the challenge with the same calm confidence that defines his play on the field. Having already experienced a similar transition when he moved from Rutgers to Buffalo, Snyder knew the importance of staying true to himself. "It's like going to a new school when you're younger," he explains. "Just be yourself, and you'll gravitate toward the guys that are just like you. If you're a good dude, and other people are good dudes, you just get along."
Snyder's decision to come to Eastern Michigan was guided by faith and a strong sense of purpose. After entering the transfer portal, his recruitment process was swift and intense. "My recruiting process this past winter was pretty crazy," Snyder recalls. "But I think God really just wanted me to be here. I had a great conversation with Coach [Chris] Creighton and Coach [Mike] Piatkowski, and within a couple of days, I was committed. It was a crazy process, but I really believe God intended me to be here."
One of the key factors in Snyder's decision was the opportunity to work with Offensive Coordinator Mike Piatkowski , who once played quarterback for Coach Creighton at Drake University. The connection between Pike and Creighton has been a significant advantage for Snyder. "They have a great relationship, and having Coach Creighton in the quarterback meetings is really cool," Snyder says. "The thing I love about Coach Pike is that he just lets you go out there and play. He doesn't try to contain you in a box, and that's one of his best attributes as a coach."
Snyder's journey through college football has taught him valuable lessons about competition and leadership. Early in his career, the concept of a "quarterback competition" might have felt like a battle between himself and his peers. But with experience comes wisdom, and Snyder now understands that the real competition is within. "You hear it all the time, and it's really cliche, but you're just competing against yourself," Snyder reflects. "It doesn't matter what someone else does. If you're just trying to be better than them, you're not going to reach your full potential."
As the only quarterback on Eastern Michigan's roster with Division I game experience, Snyder recognizes the importance of guiding his younger teammates. However, he's not one to impose his knowledge on others. "I'm not the type of guy who's going to come in and big-bro somebody," he says. "If they want advice, I will pour everything into them. I'm an open book, and I'm not hiding anything."
Snyder's leadership extends beyond the quarterback room. His natural ability to connect with others and his desire to lead were enhanced by an off-the-field experience during the offseason. "I had an internship this summer that really helped me learn more about myself," Snyder shares. "It was an office job, and I was super grateful for that opportunity. I learned that I really like leading people, and I realized that wherever I go in life after football, I want to be in a leadership role."
Now fully integrated into the Eastern Michigan culture, Snyder is eager to contribute to the team's success. Having played against the Eagles during his time at Buffalo, Snyder already had a deep respect for the program. "I had a tremendous game here at The Factory when I came with Buffalo, and it's nice to have a lot of production on this field already," Snyder says. "But now, I'm an Eagle, and I'm super excited to be a part of this culture and this team. I have a ton of respect for Eastern and the program, and I just want to continue what they've built."
Eastern Michigan's theme for the season, "BET," resonates deeply with Snyder. "As soon as I signed up to be an Eastern Eagle, I instantly became an underdog," he explains. "Coach Creighton made that clear from the start. BET means that our backs are against the wall, and we're going to go out there and scratch and claw. It doesn't matter if we're playing on a parking lot with broken glass—we're going to go out there and fight."
Off the field, Snyder finds solace in spending time with his family and girlfriend, as well as exploring the natural beauty of Michigan. "I love being outdoors, whether it's camping or exploring new places," he says. "I went on a couple of camping trips this summer and got to experience the Upper Peninsula. It was unreal—like I felt like I was at Punta Cana at some points. Michigan has so much to offer, and I love it here."
Snyder has also come to appreciate the charm of Ypsilanti, his new home. "I think what's underrated about Ypsi is how much there is to do within driving distance," he notes. "There are a lot of great restaurants in Depot Town and downtown Ypsi. It's a great location."
As Cole Snyder prepares to lead the Eagles into the 2024 season, he does so with a sense of purpose, faith, and excitement. His journey to Eastern Michigan has been one of growth, discovery, and a deepening love for the game of football. And as he steps onto the gray turf of Rynearson Stadium, Snyder is ready to embrace his role as the leader of a team poised to defy the odds and achieve greatness.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – When senior quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) decided to transfer to Eastern Michigan University, he knew he was embarking on a new chapter in his football career. However, what he didn't expect was how quickly this new journey would become one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life. As he prepares for the 2024 season, Snyder reflects on his path to Ypsilanti, his leadership role, and his excitement about leading the Eagles as their starting quarterback.
"This camp in particular has been some of the most fun I've had playing football," Snyder says with a grin. The senior quarterback, who transferred from the University at Buffalo, speaks about his smooth transition to Eastern Michigan with an infectious enthusiasm. "Since I got here, I instantly made a ton of friends on the team—just my type of guys. The team's filled with a bunch of great people, and you can just feel there's something special in this building."
Building relationships in a new environment is never easy, but Snyder approached the challenge with the same calm confidence that defines his play on the field. Having already experienced a similar transition when he moved from Rutgers to Buffalo, Snyder knew the importance of staying true to himself. "It's like going to a new school when you're younger," he explains. "Just be yourself, and you'll gravitate toward the guys that are just like you. If you're a good dude, and other people are good dudes, you just get along."
Snyder's decision to come to Eastern Michigan was guided by faith and a strong sense of purpose. After entering the transfer portal, his recruitment process was swift and intense. "My recruiting process this past winter was pretty crazy," Snyder recalls. "But I think God really just wanted me to be here. I had a great conversation with Coach [Chris] Creighton and Coach [Mike] Piatkowski, and within a couple of days, I was committed. It was a crazy process, but I really believe God intended me to be here."
One of the key factors in Snyder's decision was the opportunity to work with Offensive Coordinator Mike Piatkowski , who once played quarterback for Coach Creighton at Drake University. The connection between Pike and Creighton has been a significant advantage for Snyder. "They have a great relationship, and having Coach Creighton in the quarterback meetings is really cool," Snyder says. "The thing I love about Coach Pike is that he just lets you go out there and play. He doesn't try to contain you in a box, and that's one of his best attributes as a coach."
Snyder's journey through college football has taught him valuable lessons about competition and leadership. Early in his career, the concept of a "quarterback competition" might have felt like a battle between himself and his peers. But with experience comes wisdom, and Snyder now understands that the real competition is within. "You hear it all the time, and it's really cliche, but you're just competing against yourself," Snyder reflects. "It doesn't matter what someone else does. If you're just trying to be better than them, you're not going to reach your full potential."
As the only quarterback on Eastern Michigan's roster with Division I game experience, Snyder recognizes the importance of guiding his younger teammates. However, he's not one to impose his knowledge on others. "I'm not the type of guy who's going to come in and big-bro somebody," he says. "If they want advice, I will pour everything into them. I'm an open book, and I'm not hiding anything."
Snyder's leadership extends beyond the quarterback room. His natural ability to connect with others and his desire to lead were enhanced by an off-the-field experience during the offseason. "I had an internship this summer that really helped me learn more about myself," Snyder shares. "It was an office job, and I was super grateful for that opportunity. I learned that I really like leading people, and I realized that wherever I go in life after football, I want to be in a leadership role."
Now fully integrated into the Eastern Michigan culture, Snyder is eager to contribute to the team's success. Having played against the Eagles during his time at Buffalo, Snyder already had a deep respect for the program. "I had a tremendous game here at The Factory when I came with Buffalo, and it's nice to have a lot of production on this field already," Snyder says. "But now, I'm an Eagle, and I'm super excited to be a part of this culture and this team. I have a ton of respect for Eastern and the program, and I just want to continue what they've built."
Eastern Michigan's theme for the season, "BET," resonates deeply with Snyder. "As soon as I signed up to be an Eastern Eagle, I instantly became an underdog," he explains. "Coach Creighton made that clear from the start. BET means that our backs are against the wall, and we're going to go out there and scratch and claw. It doesn't matter if we're playing on a parking lot with broken glass—we're going to go out there and fight."
Off the field, Snyder finds solace in spending time with his family and girlfriend, as well as exploring the natural beauty of Michigan. "I love being outdoors, whether it's camping or exploring new places," he says. "I went on a couple of camping trips this summer and got to experience the Upper Peninsula. It was unreal—like I felt like I was at Punta Cana at some points. Michigan has so much to offer, and I love it here."
Snyder has also come to appreciate the charm of Ypsilanti, his new home. "I think what's underrated about Ypsi is how much there is to do within driving distance," he notes. "There are a lot of great restaurants in Depot Town and downtown Ypsi. It's a great location."
As Cole Snyder prepares to lead the Eagles into the 2024 season, he does so with a sense of purpose, faith, and excitement. His journey to Eastern Michigan has been one of growth, discovery, and a deepening love for the game of football. And as he steps onto the gray turf of Rynearson Stadium, Snyder is ready to embrace his role as the leader of a team poised to defy the odds and achieve greatness.
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