Decision day is approaching for four-star Tennessee football target Chris Cole. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker will announce his decision on Sunday. He will choose between the Vols, Georgia, USC, Miami, Virginia Tech and Penn State.
Before that, though, Cole will be taking an official visit to Tennessee. The Vols are in good standing with Cole. Cole’s teammate and Salem (Va.) High School running back Peyton Lewis is committed to Tennessee. It’s safe to assume there is some peer-recruiting happening between the two.
Cole ranks as the No. 56 prospect in the 2024 class by 247Sports Composite. He also ranks as the No. 6 linebacker and the No. 1 prospect from Virginia. They’re two crystal balls, including one from Steve Wiltfong, projecting that Cole will commit to Georgia.
Tennessee will need to roll out the “orange carpet” for Cole on Saturday in hopes of changing their standing. Georgia is the leader for the linebacker, and he also officially visited USC. The Trojans would likely be No. 2 for Cole.
Cole also officially visited Georgia, Miami and Virginia Tech. He currently holds 26 scholarship offers, including one from all the schools among his top five.
Brian Dohn of 247Sports projects that Cole could be drafted on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
“A high upside prospect who can grow into his impressive frame and can line up and cover a tight end or be in the box and impact the running game. Made the transition from defensive back to linebacker as a junior and made 76 tackles, including 11 for loss,” Dohn writes.
“Gets snaps on both sides of the ball. Multi-sport profile includes track and field, in which he finished fourth at the Nike Indoor Nationals in the 60 meter hurdles and 55 meter hurdles. Runs the 40 in the 4.6s with a broad jump of close to 10 feet. High character prospect with impressive football IQ. Has the athleticism to play in space. He is able to get off blocks well and shows excellent closing speed on the ball carrier. Reacts quickly and excels playing down hill.
“Understands how to sift through traffic to make a tackle. Speed and agility shows when lined up at safety and running outside of the hash marks in pass coverage. Understands proper linebacker depth drops when playing in a zone. Is assignment savvy and does not get caught out of position. Reliable tackler who plays angles well. Continuing to improve his lateral movement is important when playing in traffic. Increasing strength is important to be able to shed blocks and deal with the rigors of college football while playing close to the line of scrimmage. Will have to add 20 pounds or more and can be an impact player for a high-level program. Has talent, frame and athleticism to develop into an early-round NFL draft pick.”
One Response
Roll out the NIL dough!! Salem isn’t far from K-town! Family can come! Surround him with Big Orange love! Sure, he can run track! Did I mention NIL dough?! Play for a National Championship! NIL! Motherhood, apple pie and Tennessee football!