WATCH: Senior highlights for Georgia's newest five-star Chris Cole
The 2024 On3 Industry Rankings were finalized this week with recent updates across the recruiting landscape, and Georgia finished with more five stars than any team in the country. The newest addition to the group comes in the form of Chris Cole, linebacker out of Salem High School in Virginia.
Standing at 6-foot-2.5 while weighing 210 pounds, Cole brings an incredibly athletic skillset to the table. It’s a factor in why he finished at No. 32 overall and as the No. 3 player for his position with 247Sports and ESPN both having him as a five-star.
As a senior, Cole helped lead Salem to a runner-up finish in Class 4 of the VHSL and a 13-2 record overall. It came just one year after a regional final appearance for the Spartans.
Cole made the transition from defensive back to linebacker his junior year and finished the 13-game season with 76 tackles including 11 for loss. He earned Second-Team All-State honors in the move. Doing so was just another example of the kind of athlete Cole is after he won a state title as a freshman on the varsity track and field team and finished top-10 at the Nike Indoor Nationals in 2023 for both the 60-meter hurdles (with a school record time of 8.44) and 55-meter hurdles.
MORE ON COLE AND HIS FUTURE FIT IN GEORGIA LB ROOM
Below are highlights from his senior season at Salem…
On3 Scouting Report
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
