Auburn LB target Chris Cole calls Tigers a 'powerhouse,' expects to visit soon
Photo courtesy of and provided by : Chris Cole
One day, you are just a high school kid playing ball. Going about your business, attending school and practice... life is normal.
Then one day your phone won’t stop ringing. That's been the case for Chris Cole.
The three-star linebacker has quickly become a busy man. After Cole won the MVP at the Gameday Camp Series, Texas A&M noticed his stellar performance and made him his first scholarship offer. That garnered national attention and the floodgates opened. Or, as Cole himself put it: “things changed”. A few short weeks later he has over twenty offers on the table. One of which is from Auburn.
What Chris Cole brings to the table
The Auburn staff immediately saw the physical traits and ability Cole brings to the table. Out of Salem High in Salem, Virginia, the rising 3-star recruit, (expected to make a leap with a solid senior season) stands at 6 feet 4 inches and is framing 210 pounds before ever stepping into a college training program.
Cole brings a size that has offensive and defensive coaches around the country foaming at the mouth. His speed with that size, currently the fourth fastest 60m guy in the nation, is just what the SEC ordered. He has shown flashes of brilliance at multiple spots on the field. He could legitimately play wide receiver, multiple linebacker positions, and safety at the collegiate level.
When I posed the question of what position he thought he would want to play in college, he quickly responded: “I will play wherever they put me.” Smart answer from a smart young man.
Auburn’s role in Cole’s future
Auburn has offered Cole a scholarship opportunity to come get his degree and play for championships in the SEC. Due to restraints in Cole’s schedule, contact with the coaching staff has been minimal to this point. When I asked Chris about that he made it clear that since Auburn has recognized his ability as a recruit, that he looked forward to continuing to build that rapport and relationship with the staff.
When I pressed further about what he liked about Auburn as his possible choice the young man just reiterated that he liked how Auburn was a “powerhouse SEC program” and knew that Head Coach Hugh Freeze was in the rebuilding phase of getting this team back to greatness.
That was the perfect segue for me to sneak in “the” question: When are you going to visit Auburn and where do they stand in your list?
Cole noted that Auburn had invested an offer in him, and it was “only right for he and his family” to come and have a visit and they were all just trying to find a date that works. As far as the second part of my question, he slyly would only say he is searching for a place with the perfect program fit for him.
I brought his attention to how many recruits seem to be finding Auburn’s program and facilities to be the perfect fit and falling in love with it, he responded with a smile and a heart gesture. I did want to follow up on a rumor that has been circulating that Cole really wanted to stay within his home state and Auburn could turn his head from that. He said his home state had nothing to do with his traveling then repeated that it was all about a program fit for him.
What will the future hold for Chris Cole?
We closed it out with what his goals were for his senior season. The young man’s passion for the game could not be hidden: “Ball out!! Finish strong!! Get bigger, faster and stronger. I’m prepping for college”
I couldn’t help but think that was an interesting take considering how many colleges were suddenly prepping for him. He has another year to add more muscle to his frame and perhaps get even faster. Maybe he will even narrow down to a position. The talent is definitely there, and this man should definitely be considering one of the SEC schools to find out if he can get to the next level.
When Auburn gets him on campus, that could be a major turn in this young man’s life. Whatever he chooses, I will remember him as one of the most professional recruits I have had the pleasure of interacting with. His presence far exceeds his age. In the end, his maturity is why every school will end up wanting him. Hopefully, we get to see this young man “ball out” on Saturdays at Jordan-Hare.
Related Stories
Auburn football placed in familiar bowl in way-too-early 2023 bowl projections
Hugh Freeze is revitalizing Auburn football recruiting
Auburn football's projected 2023 depth chart
Holden Geriner "taking big strides" in practice since Auburn's Pro Day
Hugh Freeze on playing Georgia and Alabama: 'The expectation is we're walking out there to win it'
Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials!
Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter