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It’s officially game week Hokies, as we’re just 2 days away from kickoff. Today, we’ll take a look at #2 on roster Mr. Michael Cole. Cole was a coveted recruit out of Roanoke, Virginia back in the 2011 recruiting class. So far, Cole is about where I thought he would be as a redshirt-freshman. He seems to show flashes of greatness but the game is still a little fast for him. Also, I think it would benefit him to move closer to the line of scrimmage if he can put on a few pounds. I think WHIP LB may be a better fit for his skillset going forward.
The Scoop
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 lbs
Position: Free Safety
Year: R-Freshman
High School: Cave Spring High School
How Did He Get Here?
Cole’s decision ultimately came down to Virginia Tech, Penn State, and Virginia. Looking back, I bet Cole is glad he picked Virginia Tech over the Nittany Lions after the whole off-season scandal. As a senior, the Roanoke native finished with with 88 tackles, three interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
2011 Season Rewind
Cole redshirted last season.
2012 Prediction
Being a Roanoke native, I like pulling for the local kids to do well. I was able to attend a few Cave Spring games when Cole was a senior so I got a little more of an in-depth look to him as a player. Cole is a savvy football player with a good skillset and good athletic ability. He’s not great at any one thing physically. In that regard, he reminds me more of Cody Grimm. Grimm wasn’t really a physically impressive guy but he was quick and athletic enough to make plays. Plus, he understood the game.
Cole could follow in that path. Although, if he does change positions we are going to have a severe logjam at WHIP linebacker in the near future. If not, Cole could be an asset at either free safety or rover going forward. This season, Cole just needs to get some game reps. There’s only so much you can learn in practice. The rest you have to pickup in game situations against somebody not wearing the same colored jersey as you. I like Cole’s potential, he just needs to keep working hard in the weight room and keep developing. If he does he’ll find himself in a starting role sooner rather than later.
Completely Made Up Fact
Michael Cole was dubbed as the “Great White Ninja” at birth. However, he decided to follow a much more financially sound career path by starting football at a young age.
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