Star DB would like to finish with bowl

In his final season, Chandon Sullivan, perhaps the best defensive back in Georgia State history, just wants to return to a bowl game.

Sullivan, a 21-year-old senior from Winder, is a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference cornerback. He’s started all four seasons at GSU. His six interceptions and 19 passes defended are the best in school history.

Last season perhaps was his best: Sullivan earned AllSun Belt honors and CoSIDA Academic All-District honors for the second consecutive year. He had three inter- ceptions, four pass deflec- tions, a tackle for loss and a blocked kick.

“Individual accolades don’t really matter,” he said. “We work too hard; it’s a team sport. I just want to win by any means, whatever that means is. Just do whatever I can day in and day out to be a leader.”

Sullivan showed off his playmaking ability last season in Wisconsin, where his interception led to a drive where GSU took the lead on the No. 9 Badgers, despite ultimately coming up short. With Sullivan in the second- ary, the Panthers were the only FBS team that didn’t allow an offensive play longer than 50 yards on the year.

“As a corner you always want to protect the deep ball,” Sullivan said. “I don’t want to give up any comple- tions. I know I gave up some underneath in zone because that’s the way we design it on our defense. But at the end of the day, it’s all about winning.”

As individual accolades pour in, Sullivan is adamant his priority is help- ing his defense, a defense that played well in Week 1, but couldn’t overcome a weak GSU offense in a 17-10 loss against Tennessee State.

“We played well, but we still gave up too many points,” Sullivan said. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to shut teams down. Start out faster, finish stronger.”

GSU cornerbacks coach Sam Shade graded each of his four primary corners above 80 percent in the opener. Sullivan temporarily was sidelined with cramps, but contributed breakups in the end zone that helped keep the game within reach.

Coaching Sullivan has been a treat for Shade, because he’s working with a veteran leader. Sullivan often emphasizes being great on and off the field, and while it’s reflected in his academic honors, it’s also noticed by his coaches.

“It’s been good because he’s a kid that’s played a lot of football,” Shade said. “He’s had some success playing. He’s a kid that’s mentally sharp, has a really good foot- ball IQ , learns things pretty quickly. He goes out and tries to apply what he’s learned. He competes hard. It’s been a lot of fun for me to get to know him and the rest of the guys since January.”

Shade played at Alabama, becoming a fourthround draft pick in 1995. He played with the Bengals and Redskins until 2002. In Sulli- van, he sees a guy who could catch eyes at the next level.

“Not a lot of guys get that opportunity,” Shade said. “A lot of guys even get there and just because of numbers don’t make it. I saw a lot of guys come and go when it was just because of numbers. … He brings a lot of good attributes to the table. Hopefully he can continue to progress this season and God-willing stay healthy.”