4-star LB Chris Cole officially signs with Georgia
A top 50 prospect in the country, Chris Cole is one of the nation’s top inside linebackers, and now, he’s officially a member of the Georgia roster, with the school announcing his signing on Wednesday.
Hailing from Salem, Virginia’s Salem High School, Cole ranks as the nation’s No. 46 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also the No. 1 prospect in Virginia for the cycle, as well as the No. 3 inside linebacker in the class by the same ranking.
Despite heavy pushes from the likes of USC and Tennessee, among others, Cole chose the Bulldogs for a number of reasons. One of the key ones? That’s be Georgia inside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.
“Coach Schumann is one of the best out there,” Cole told On3’s Chad Simmons upon committing. “He doesn’t just make linebackers great at Georgia, but he prepares them for success in the NFL too. Coach Schumann and I have a great relationship too. He is a great guy, he recruited me hard and I believe he can help develop me for the league.”
Scouting Report on Chris Cole
“Big-framed, toolsy linebacker with some of the highest physical upside at the position in the 2024 cycle. Measured in at around 6-foot-3, 210 pounds prior to his senior season. Has a long, high-hipped build with a big frame and plus length for the position. Arms have measured at 33 inches and hand checks in at over 10 inches. Registers as a top athlete in the combine setting. Doubles as a good track athlete with some impressive marks in the 55-meter hurdles. Began his high school career as a safety before adding considerable mass and growing into a linebacker. Lines up at various spots in the back half for his high school – playing as a hang linebacker, a center field safety and creeping up to the edge. Experienced playing in space. Effectively uses his long arms to corral ball carriers. Lowers his shoulder and drives through his tackles. Flashes some striking power and pop on contact. Also shows solid instincts in coverage. Finished his senior season with 76 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. Also showed some encouraging coordination while playing receiver. A long-strider who can take a few steps to get up to speed. Will need to continue developing and adjusting to playing linebacker. May need time to adjust, but has considerable developmental upside.” – Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, on Chris Cole
