4-star LB Chris Cole commits to Georgia: "They know what it takes to win at a high level"

Georgia first got Chris Cole on campus back in the spring. On that visit, after the four-star linebacker out of Salem (Va.) watched a spring practice, he received an offer from the back-to-back national champions. That is where it started.

The No. 54 prospect in the On3 Recruiting Rankings went on to take official visits to Georgia, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, USC and Virginia Tech. At different times, the 6-foot-2.5, 210-pound playmaker had different schools high on his list, but the one in Athens was always up there.

“Since offering me, Georgia really become the team to beat,” Cole told On3. “I took my visits and I looked at different schools, but Georgia was always up at the top. USC is a great program, and I really liked my visit, but Georgia is the right school for me. Georgia has everything I was looking for.”

Tennessee received the final official visit. Cole was in Knoxville this weekend after visiting late in July, but Cole had a good idea of where he was going before the visit started. On Friday is when he started to get the feeling that his mind was made up.

“I went with my heart. Ever since I first stepped on campus at Georgia, I felt I could be there. As soon as I stepped on campus, I had that feeling. At Georgia, I knew I could always see myself there. It just felt right.”

Cole is 27th prospect to commit to Georgia this cycle. The Bulldogs have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.

Cole believes in the Georgia coaches

Glenn Schumann has emerged as one of the top linebacker coaches in the country. He recruits at a high level, he develops players and he made a big impact on Cole’s decision.

“Coach Schumann is one of the best out there,” Cole said. “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.”

Kirby Smart was a factor too. The former Bulldog has led Georgia to two national championships and Cole does not see the success slowing down in Athens.

“Georgia is a machine. Coach Smart, the coaching staff and the team are working hard there every day. It never changes. They work hard every day. They know what it takes to win at a high level.

“Georgia has that brotherhood. The mentality, the high expectations and the way they are being coached has Georgia playing at that championship level. It is not changing either.”

Georgia is the total package in Cole’s eyes

Cole has many different options. He could have played in the ACC, Big Ten or SEC. He was a coveted linebacker this cycle with national offers. Georgia just checked all the boxes for Cole.

“It is not just about football at Georgia,” Cole said. “It is about life too. The coaches and support staff push the players on and off the field. They want what is best for the players there. It is what I was looking for.”

Cole visited Athens three times before his commitment. He will be back as a commitment next weekend for the South Carolina game. He is excited about what he is not a part of.

“I have great relationships with the coaches and everyone around the program. The development part was big in my commitment, but it was also about the people there. It is just a great environment with all the great people around the Georgia program.

“Georgia cares about their players, they have a great plan for me on and off the field and I just love the overall program.”