4-star LB Chris Cole impressed by Vols visit: ‘Tennessee has definitely become more of a contender for me’

Salem (Va.) four-star linebacker Chris Cole is getting closer to a decision.

The 6-foot-2.5, 210-pound Cole said that he plans to cut his list to five schools soon before committing in late August or early September.

Cole’s latest visit to Tennessee played a part in that. It was his second time visiting Knoxville, and the Vols made an impression.

“I had a great visit to Tennessee,” Cole told On3. “I really enjoyed my time up there, I was there in the spring, but I got a lot more one-on-one time with the coaches this time — I spent a lot of time with the head coach (Josh Heupel) and that showed me a lot. Heupel is one of the best head coaches I have talked with. He has a lot of energy, his door is always open to his players and it was great to be around him more.”

Tennessee is a contender

Cole took June official visits to Georgia, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Miami. He said that he hears from each of those schools in addition to Tennessee every day, while USC and Alabama are picking up steam. With this trip to Knoxville, the Vols are working their way into the conversation to be a finalist for Cole.

“After this visit, Tennessee has definitely become more of a contender for me,” Cole said. “When I was there in the spring, I liked it, but I saw a lot more this time and I learned a lot more about the program. The staff is awesome, they showed me a lot and I really learned how I could fit. I went over film with coach (Brian Jean-Mary) and I learned about their scheme. We watched my film and I saw how I could be used. It was a great experience.”

When it comes to determining his finalists, Cole said that player development will be key in his decision. Cole said his goal is to reach his “full potential” and have a shot at the NFL.

“There are a couple of schools up there in my head,” Cole said. “It is tight up there and a couple have given me a lot to think about. But I have to look at the overall picture, so I still have a lot to think about. Outside of development — can I see myself there, how do they treat me and my family and who cares about me as a person are questions I ask myself.”

The post 4-star LB Chris Cole impressed by Vols visit: ‘Tennessee has definitely become more of a contender for me’ appeared first on On3.