Four-star LB Chris Cole has Miami in final group heading into September commitment
When the Miami Hurricanes first offered Salem (Va.) four-star linebacker Chris Cole in February, the Virginia native was a fairly unknown linebacker in the 2024 class who has since blossomed into one of the most sought-after defenders in the country.
Recently, Cole, who is the No. 53 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, narrowed his top schools to six, which included UM alongside USC, Georgia, Penn State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.
“They (Miami) were with me before I had all that,” Cole told CaneSport. “It’s not like they’re doing it because of my ranking, but because they care about me as a player and as a person.”
Cole, who is the nephew of former Miami linebacker Rohan Marley, has set his commitment date for Sept. 10 and believes all six of his final schools can offer him the best of both worlds on and off the field.
“It feels pretty good now that I’m narrowing it down to my top six, so I’m pretty excited about that,” Cole said. Honestly, I can see myself at all six of those programs playing there. They all have the best of both worlds with football and education. It was a family decision too.”
Regarding the Hurricanes, the connection Cole has built over time with Miami’s coaching staff played a big role in them being named in his top six.
“They have a great coaching staff down there, and they care about the player’s academics,” Cole said. “When I went there, I felt the love and enjoyed it too.”
Miami’s message to the 6-foot-2.5 210-pounder?
“Every day we call or text, and they tell me that they want me to be a Hurricane,” Cole said. “They also say if I went there, I could get the best of both worlds.”
When it’s all said and done, Cole’s final decision will come down to which school he can see himself thriving at on the field and in the classroom.
“I say it’ll be somewhere that I can get a great education,” Cole said. “Then off the field, somewhere I can get developed on the field and be around a great coaching staff and great people.”
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.”
CaneSport’s take
Miami has been active in Cole’s recruiting for some time now, and it has paid off up to this point in the lead-up to his commitment, which is less than a month away. According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Georgia is the heavy favorite to land Cole with 86.4%. While the chances are not in Miami’s favor according to the RPM, the Hurricanes will hope that their persistent efforts and Cole’s connection to The U will be enough to hear their name called on Sept. 10.
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