Three-star LB Chris Cole out of in-state powerhouse Salem HS in Salem, VA under 40 minutes away from VT continues to be one of Virginia Tech's top linebacker targets in the 2024 class.
Cole recently told us that the Hokies are the school recruiting him the hardest adding that he is in contact with the Hokies' coaching staff "often".
Defensive coordinator/LBs coach Chris Marve and sam LBs/nickels coach Shawn Quinn are leading Virginia Tech's recruiting push for Cole. Cole had this to say about his relationship with Chris Marve and how it has grown over time.
"My relationship with Coach Marve has grown over time. He has taken an interest in me outside of football, and he also has encouraged me throughout the recruitment process. The VT coaches have went out of their way to get to know me on a personal level and not just about football. We talk about everything. He’s a cool coach," Cole said.
He had this to say about his relationship with Shawn Quinn.
"Coach Quinn and I have developed a good relationship. He calls and checks up on me regularly. We talk about school and what’s going on in general. I'm blessed to have them in my corner," Cole said.
It's encouraging to see the strong relationships that Cole has built with Marve and his potential collegiate position coach in Quinn given that Cole projects to be a sam LB. Chris Cole also models his game after a former Super Bowl MVP who has a similar style to what Tech wants in their sam linebackers.
"Well I consider myself a hybrid defensive player. I can play In space and in the box. I’d say my play style favors (former Super Bowl MVP) Malcolm Smith," Cole said.
As Cole continues to embrace being a hybrid linebacker, his offseason goals are right in line with that objective.
"My goal is to keep working on my craft, gain weight, and get faster," Cole said.
Looking ahead, Cole told us that he will be visiting Virginia Tech on Monday, January 23rd for their Big Dawg Junior Day.
Chris Cole continues to be a priority LB target for Virginia Tech with the Hokies having a great chance to build on their strong relationship with the Salem standout on Monday.
