Biography

Ed Cochrane honed his tight end skills under the tutelage of line coach Paul Sullivan, who recalls Ed as “a tough, disciplined blocker” and a person of exceptional character.  As a junior, Cochrane contributed solid blocking and 3 receptions for 56 yards.  However, during his senior season, 6’2, 212 lbs. Ed Cochrane was a pillar of strength as the tight end in North’s powerful front line that paved the way for four future Hall of Famers:  running backs Mark Newport ‘89, Marc Robichaud ‘89, and Randy Silvestri ’90, as well as quarterback Jeff Kraskouskas ’90.  Behind Cochrane and his line mates, the Big Red ground attack averaged 5.4 yards per carry on their way to 26 rushing TDs, over 2,300 yards and 287 total points.  Their 1988 edition of the Red Rocketeers finished 9-2, suffering their final loss in a Super Bowl slugfest against Foxboro at Sullivan Stadium.

Cochrane contributed to the 1988 passing attack as well (16 catches for 264 yds and 3TDs), saving his best performances for the biggest games.  He caught 4 passes for 73 yards in a thrilling 7-6 win over Bishop Feehan on opening day, snared a 17 yd. TD pass in North’s 34 – 13 upset win over Franklin, and in a mid-season showdown of undefeated #1 versus #2 in the old Eastern Massachusetts rankings at Canton, Cochrane scored both of the Red Rocketeer’s TDs to topple the favored Bulldogs.  For his efforts, Ed Cochrane was recognized as a Sun Chronicle and Hockomock League all star, and he was also selected to the Boston Globe Div. III all-star team.  However, when asked to identify his favorite personal highlight from his Big Red career, Big Ed spoke not about himself but of the camaraderie that existed between “the close knit group of seniors and juniors” and the many laughs they enjoyed while hanging out in the trainer’s room after practice. 

After high school, Ed Cochrane attended Norwich University, where he majored in criminal justice and played tight end for the Cadets.  Ed is currently a member of the Massachusetts State Police force and lives in Sturbridge with his wife, Lisa, and their two daughters.