Penn State football facing important visit with top 20 linebacker next weekend

Next weekend will kick off the official visit slate for the 2024 Penn State football recruiting efforts. With tons of momentum, including 14 commits and the 7th-ranked overall class, the Nittany Lions appear to be in good shape for the time being. From June 2nd-4th, a number of the nation’s top recruits will be in State College. However, one stands out at first glance: 2024 four-star linebacker Chris Cole out of Salem High School in Virginia.

Penn State football recruiting trending with four-star linebacker

Penn State football boasts the prestigious title of “Linebacker U,” and for good reason. Over the years, including the James Franklin era, few schools (if any) have produced NFL-ready linebackers the way the Nittany Lions have. In fact, current sophomore linebacker Abdul Carter appears to be next in line to establish himself among the greats to play linebacker in the Blue and White.

Next weekend, Penn State football has a huge opportunity with four-star linebacker Chris Cole, who is currently a Virginia Tech lean according to the Recruiting Prediction Machine. Still, the Nittany Lions are close behind and could establish themselves as a top contender with a successful official visit.

According to the ON3 industry rankings, Cole is a four-star linebacker target, ranking as the No. 189 recruit in the country, the No. 20 linebacker in his class, and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Virginia.

The good news for the Nittany Lions ahead of official visit season

The good news for Penn State football is that no one does official visits like James Franklin and his coaching staff. One of the things that gives Penn State an edge during this time of year is Franklin’s ability to get high-profile recruits on campus and lock down major interest. If the Nittany Lions can work some of that magic this weekend, Cole may wind up in the Blue and White, just like many great linebackers before him.

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