Where Will LB Chris Cole Commit To?

As the early-signing period approaches us in December, another one of the top linebackers from the 2024 class is set to come off the board on September 10h when Chris Cole decides between Penn State, Virginia Tech, Georgia, USC, Tennessee, and Miami.

Ethan Offutt | Sep 8, 2023

Where Will LB Chris Cole Commit To? /

On September 10th, another of the nation's premier linebackers from Virginia will be coming off the board. Chris Cole is set to announce his commitment this coming Sunday at 4:30 p.m. when he chooses between Penn State, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, and USC.

Cole, the No. 6 rated linebacker in 247Sports composite rankings, has either already had a visit or has planned a visit with each school listed above. The first two were when he went to Penn State and then Virginia Tech in early June. The next two were when he went to Georgia and Miami in late June. Cole then unofficially visited Tennessee towards the end of July, is fresh off a gameday visit to USC on September 2nd, and has an official visit with UT planned for this Saturday, Sept. 9th.

Now, if you look at the six of these schools, four of them historically have produced great, NFL-caliber linebackers, those schools being UGA, Penn State, USC, and Miami. USC is the freshest team on Cole's mind after taking his gameday visit this past weekend. Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are likely pitching this idea to Cole that he can come to play for the Trojans and help turn around a defense that lacks luster compared to the Trojan offense.

On the other hand, Georgia has produced a linebacker who was drafted in the fifth round or higher in 13 of the last 22 drafts and nine total linebackers under Kirby Smart. Cole has another counterpart from Virginia already committed to the Bulldogs in Kristopher Jones. Jones has likely made his pushes to try and get Cole to join him between the hedges on Saturdays in the future, and so far, signs seem to be pointing in the direction that Cole will be a Bulldog.

Virginia Tech and Tennessee are the two teams to keep an eye on in Cole's recruitment. Virginia Tech is just a quick 35-minute drive to Salem High School, Cole's home. They have spent a lot of time with the two-sport athlete throughout his high school career, and as fans saw with Williams Nwaneri, home-state teams have proven they can keep their top talent. Tennessee, as mentioned before, has a visit already planned with the 4-star linebacker this Saturday, just a day before he makes his commitment decision. Josh Heupel will make sure to pull out all the stops this weekend to keep Cole's eyes open to the Vols.

Cole, who is also one of the nation's top indoor track runners, is set to make his decision between the six schools listed above this coming Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on the 247Sports YouTube channel. Signs point to Georgia landing the 4-star linebacker, but things may sway after this Saturday when he visits Knoxville, TN.

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Published Sep 8, 2023

ETHAN OFFUTT