Four-Star LB Chris Cole commits to Georgia

Four-star linebacker Chris Cole of Salem (VA) High announced his commitment to Georgia Sunday evening.

The 6-foot-4, 200 pounder chose the Bulldogs over Tennessee, USC, Miami, and others.

“What stood out about UGA is the proven success of developing players who succeed at the Pro Level. They have an amazing strength/conditioning and nutrition program. Everything is done at an elite level! Coach Smart and Coach Schumann have made me a priority throughout my recruitment and have a detailed development plan for me on and off the field! I look forward to being a part of the UGA Family! Go Dawgs!”

His relationship with the coaching staff and their plan for him played a role in his decision as well.

“I’m closest to coach Schumann,” Cole said. “He plans to use me as the will, playing in space, blitzing, and also in the box.”

The Virginia linebacker joins coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ No. 1 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by five-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, five-star linebacker Justin Williams, and others.

Chris Cole Recruiting Profile

Cole ranks as the No. 54 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 5 linebacker and the No. 1 player in the state of Virginia.

Scouting Summary

On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:

“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.”

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $132K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.