Top-100 LB Chris Cole down to 6 schools, announces decision date
Salem (Va.) four-star linebacker Chris Cole has been on the top defensive targets for USC this summer.
Today, Cole announced he is down to USC, Georgia, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech He also announced he will announce his commitment on Sept. 10.
Cole ranks as the No. 53 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.
USC has been working to get Cole on campus for an official visit and the plan was for him to make it back to Los Angeles this season. It is unclear if that visit will happen as of now, but it is likely USC will need him to take that visit if to have a real shot at landing him commitment.
Cole’s comments on USC
Cole spoke with WeAreSC on his recruitment with USC. The quote gives you a good idea of what approach the staff is taking with Cole.
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“USC is a great program with even better academics! Coach Riley, Coach Odom and Strength Coach Dennis talked about their plan for me as ILB and the individualized plan for development, all prep work for the NFL.”
Chris Cole Recruiting Profile
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.”
On3 NIL Valuation
Cole has an On3 NIL Valuation of $98K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. 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.
