Georgia has produced an almost ridiculous list of elite linebackers under Kirby Smart, and Chris Cole looks ready to become the next name on that list.
The junior linebacker has been generating serious buzz early in Georgia’s fall camp, with reports indicating Cole has been one of the most impressive defenders on the field. After showing flashes of his potential during his first two seasons in Athens, Cole appears to be putting everything together at exactly the right time.
And that should terrify the rest of the SEC.
Cole already led Georgia with 4.5 sacks last season, while finishing with 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 35 solo tackles despite making just one start. Those numbers were impressive considering his role, but Cole himself admitted he felt like he left plenty on the table.
Now, he has the opportunity to go from promising young linebacker to centerpiece of Georgia’s defense.
At 6-foot-3 with elite athleticism, Cole gives Georgia something incredibly valuable: a linebacker who can affect the game from multiple spots. He has the speed to chase plays down, the length to create problems for offensive linemen and, most importantly, the pass-rushing ability to become a legitimate nightmare off the edge.
That last part could be huge for Georgia.
The Bulldogs haven’t always had the dominant pass rush people expect from a Kirby Smart defense in recent seasons. If Cole can turn his camp dominance into Saturdays, Georgia could suddenly have the type of disruptive defensive weapon it has been missing.
And Smart isn’t exactly lowering expectations. Georgia’s head coach has challenged Cole to become more consistent and continue developing rather than simply relying on his physical talent. Cole seems to have taken that challenge personally, saying this offseason that he is ready to “come for it all.”
Georgia already has talent everywhere defensively. If Cole takes the massive Year 3 jump that his fall camp performance is beginning to suggest, the Bulldogs might have something even more important:
Their next defensive superstar.
