The name Riley Cole may not have been a household name throughout the Southeast before Alabama offered him, but the 4-star commitment never doubted his potential to attract major recognition — especially from the likes of the Crimson Tide, which was a dream come true for the talented linebacker.
“Alabama was one of those dream offers you always wanted to play for. They were really close to home, and I had to jump at the chance to play for them.”
Those words rang true as Cole received his offer over the phone directly from the head man himself in Coach Saban, and Cole didn’t take long to make his college destination known to the staff. “Coach Tucker was recruiting me. I had a really good camp and he said they really liked me, but to just be patient and wait a couple of days and they would let me know something. Coach Saban called me shortly after and I committed right then. He was really excited.”
Cole was anxious to get back to his future destination as well. “I went back for another visit the next day.”
Cole has a lot of traits that make him a coveted prospect. Touchdown Alabama Magazine Recruiting Analyst Justin Wagner believes Cole has the makings to be star linebacker on the next level. According to Wagner, “I watched the first three minutes of his tape and I can tell you he has a good knack for getting to the ball. He has pretty good speed (4.6) and if he can build on his frame, he could be serious because his football IQ is high.”
The full evaluation on Cole will be out soon, but for Tide fans eager to know more about what Cole thinks he brings to the table, “I’m a real humble guy. I don’t like to brag about myself. There’s no drama with me.”
High character is something Alabama fans can appreciate as Cole simply wants to do his job and make plays. He’s expected to play inside linebacker and maybe even long snapper for the Tide.
Brandon Williams is an Editor and Columnist for Touchdown Alabama. You can follow him on Twitter, @TFRdotNet, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
