Georgia adds top 100 prospect Chris Cole to Class of 2024
Glenn Schumann and the Georgia Bulldogs are celebrating on this Sunday evening after landing the commitment of four-star linebacker Chris Cole of Salem, Virginia’s Salem High School.
The nation’s No. 54 overall prospect in the Class of 2024 per the On3 Industry Ranking, Cole becomes Georgia’s twenty-seventh commitment of the cycle and the third inside linebacker pledge joining five-star Justin Williams and fellow four-star Kris Jones. Cole also ranks as the No. 5 inside linebacker in 2024 and No. 1 prospect in Virginia per the Industry Ranking.
Georgia bested the likes of Tennessee, Southern California, and Virginia Tech for his services, with much credit due to Schumann, Cole’s positional coach and Georgia’s defensive coordinator.
“Georgia’s proven success in developing players to make it to the league is top tier. Coach [Glenn] Schumann’s ability to teach and develop players at the linebacker position is phenomenal,” Cole said of Schumann this summer. “He is a teacher that pays attention to all the details, and that’s why he has been able to produce. He is a football genius.”
Chris Cole ticks the tape at 6-foot-2 and a half inches and 210 pounds and has garnered an On3 comparison to former Ohio State five-star prospect Baron Browning.
On3 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
