Georgia added to its No. 1 recruiting class on Sunday with another top 100-ranked player: Chris Cole, a linebacker from Salem, Va., announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. Here’s what you need to know:
- Cole ranks No. 54 overall in the On3 Industry Rankings, which averages the rankings of On3, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. Cole is the fifth-ranked linebacker and top-ranked player in Virginia.
- USC, Tennessee and Miami were regarded as the other top contenders for Cole, but Georgia was considered the favorite for a while.
- This is Georgia’s 27th commitment and eighth in the top 100 of the On3 rankings.
Where will Cole fit in at Georgia?
He’s the third linebacker in Georgia’s 2024 class, although five-star prospect Justin Williams could be an edge/outside linebacker.
Georgia also loaded at inside linebacker in the 2023 class, taking Raylen Wilson, CJ Allen and Troy Bowles. But the top three inside linebackers on this year’s team — Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Smael Mondon and Xavian Sorey — are all eligible for the NFL Draft. During the Kirby Smart era, the program typically has given inside linebackers at least a year to learn as a reserve, then moved them into starting roles in their second or third years. Cole will be given a chance to follow that trajectory.
(Photo: John Adams / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
