Miami Legacy Recruit Cole Made First Coral Gables Visit
New is a common theme with Chris Cole's multi-day visit to Miami this week.
The rising-senior linebacker recruit, who was surprised when Miami jumped into his recruitment with a scholarship offer in February, took in Coral Gables for the first time as a prospect.
The nephew of former Cane defender Rohan Marley, there was plenty of anticipation for the first recruiting visit to The U and it did not disappoint.
"It was great! I was able to meet with the coaches and watch practice," Cole told All Hurricanes. "Had a great time, learned a lot and and am looking forward to building my relationship with The U.
"Elite coaching, elite education, elite campus."
Derek Nicholson is another new element to the Miami angle, settling in during his first spring on Mario Cristobal's staff as linebacker coach. Cole watching his potential future position coach in action seemingly couldn't have gone much better.
"Coach Nicholson is very detailed in his coaching," he said. "The guys practiced hard and physical. I learned about their base defense and formations. Coach Nicholson was awesome with me. He talked development, hard coaching to get the absolute best out of me, culture; some of the same things most programs talk about.
"But what stood out to me was the fact that he included my family in the process. He included those who are a part of my circle. Those who are closest to me. He talked with them as if he was recruiting them to play for Miami lol….
"He understands family dynamics. He respects that aspect. Most coaches only want to talk to you. Not knowing or understanding that; if it wasn’t for my family; I wouldn’t be here."
There’s no place like home @CanesFootball
— Rohan Marley (@Romarley) April 4, 2023
Meet my Nephew @Chris_Cole3
His Dad & Mom so proud ..
Let’s go @coach_cristobal #LIONORDER 🧬 pic.twitter.com/T4GqV4znuK
Miami will continue to factor into the race in Cole's recruitment, though plenty of programs are looking to make a similar claim with the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder. The Salem (Va.) High School star is up to 17 scholarship offers, with Georgia and Miami among those on the summer official visit docket already.
Penn State, Auburn, Florida State, Virginia and others are also among those in the mix.
"Finding a school that fits me as a student athlete will be one of the most important decisions I’ll make in my life so far," Cole said. "Make some more campus visits this spring and summer, evaluate the programs that are interested in me and decide which school will be a great fit for me."
Cole confirmed no clear decision timeline relative to a verbal commitment at this time.
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