The latest on 4-star LB Chris Cole as he closes in on his commitment

Chris Cole is set to commit on Sept. 10, and that is only 9 days away, but his recruitment still has a couple of big weekends to go.

The four-star linebacker out of Salem (Va.) announced his finalists of Georgia, Miami, Penn State, Tennessee, USC and Virginia Tech about three weeks ago. He took official visits to each of those schools except for Tennessee and USC in June.

Cole will take his official visits to L.A. this weekend, and then to Knoxville next weekend. He also visited Tennessee the last week in July.

Heading into these last two visits, Georgia is still the team to beat according to sources. Glenn Schumann leads the way for Georgia as Cole’s recruiter. He has connected with the No. 54 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings and Cole likes the way he has developed linebackers.

Cole has visited Athens a handful of times, but will not be back between the hedges before he makes his decision. Georgia is, and has been trending, but now they have to hold off the Trojans and the Vols.

Miami was at one time viewed as Georgia’s biggest competition. Virginia Tech is an in-state program that has been in this as long as anyone. Those two schools are still on his list, and USC will host him this weekend, but the school that has become a true contender is Tennessee.

Cole sees an opportunity to play early in the SEC at a program on the rise. Multiple coaches at Tennessee are in strong communication with Cole including Josh Heupel, Tim Banks and Brian Jean-Mary. Next weekend is a big chance for Tennessee to close the gap.

The commitment date is right around the corner, and it will be here before you know it, but there are still some big visits to be taken before Cole announces his decision.

On3 Scouting Report

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.

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