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ATHENS - Through Georgia’s first three games, one thing is clear.
Those Bulldog linebackers are elite. Again.
Raylen Wilson and CJ Allen are leading the way defensively with 23 and 22 tackles each. They’re playing tough, physical defense and are a big reason why the Bulldogs are only giving up 2.7 yards per rush.
But then there’s Chris Cole. The versatile, playmaking sophomore linebacker has All-American potential and has become one of the Georgia’s most consistent defenders to start the season.
Georgia Bulldog coach Kirby Smart has raved about Cole for a long time now and did it again on Tuesday evening.
“He's been great”, Smart said. “He's taken on three roles. He takes on a role as a sub pass rusher, a normal-down inside backer, and a normal-down regular personnel linebacker. That's three pretty different, very distinct roles that he takes on and we have to find ways to keep utilizing Chris's strengths. He has strengths that we have to utilize, and he's a good playmaker, so I'm proud of the way he's practicing and playing.”
The 6-foot-3 235-pounder from Salem, Virginia has made 17 total tackles this season with a team-leading two sacks. He can play in the middle of the field and on the outside, giving Glenn Schumann a versatile, lengthy defender who can make plays in multiple ways.
Cole is lean and athletic enough to make plays in coverage while showing he can also attack the quarterback. Against Tennessee, Cole made six tackles, one sack and one pass-breakup.
“That game was unreal”, Cole told reporters this week. “To be in that type of environment and see our defense fight and play with composure and resilience was awesome.”
Cole and the Bulldog defense struggled at first, giving up a touchdown on Tennessee’s first three drives. It was ugly, but Cole said that staying calm and focusing on the details allowed them to settle in and fight back.
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“We just had to stay calm”, Cole said. “We’ve faced adversity before. We had to look on film quickly and see what we could do better. Once we made our adjustments we just had to go out there and compete.”
Cole knows that he’s surrounded by other talented defenders who have started the season.
“What stands out most about our linebackers is the fire, passion and energy that we play with”, Cole said. “It starts on Monday and all the time and preparation shows up on Saturday. I think I’ve grown a lot as a pass-rusher as I didn’t do a lot of that before getting here. I’m learning to set the edge and use my hands better.”
There’s really not a lot that Cole can’t do. A former safety, Cole knows how to cover, and as he’s put on weight he’s turned into a rangy, physical linebacker who can make plays in space. Now, he’s helping on the edge and rushing the quarterback.
He’s already won over Kirby Smart, and his best football is still way, way ahead of him. That’s exciting for Georgia fans, but a nightmare for everyone else.
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