Suitors still lining up for LSU verbal Cole

It’s been two months since Picayune (Miss.) tight end Mit Cole announced his verbal commitment to LSU, but as is often the case, that hasn’t stopped rival schools from keeping their names fresh in his mind.

That’s not surprising for one of the South’s top players at his position, but Cole (6-4, 245, 4.9) says he’s “solid” with his commitment to the Tigers.

“Oh, I’m definitely solid with LSU,” he said. “I was in Baton Rouge for their camp last week and had a great time. There were a lot of good players down there, hopefully some guys I’ll wind up playing with at LSU. Early Doucet was there. He’s a heckuva player, a very exciting guy.

“I spent a lot of time with coach Thompson. It was nice to get to know him better in that setting. It was good to be around coach Saban, too. He’s one of the big reasons I picked LSU. He’s so straight-forward and businesslike. I like his work ethic and the way he coaches the team that way. The only way I’d reconsider going to LSU is if something drastic happened and coach Saban was leaving.”

Cole said he continues to get a lot of attention from three of the Tigers’ SEC West rivals -- Ole Miss, Auburn and Mississippi State.

“They’re all saying, ‘It’s a long way to February,’” Cole said. “They tell me I need to go experience some things there before I make my final decision. I’ve done my best to tell them I’m solid and happy with my decision, but they all say they’re not going to give up on me. It’s not in a rude way or anything, so I guess I can respect that.”

Cole is known as a strong blocker with the skills to develop into a good receiver as well. Some had also evaluated him as a defensive end (68 tackles, 4 sacks as a junior), but he says he’s sold on the offensive side of the ball.

“I love playing tight end because that position has to be the best athlete in a way,” he said. “You have to run and catch like a receiver, but block like a lineman. I love that combination. I’m probably a little ahead in my blocking right now. I’ve always played for run-oriented teams, so I don’t get the ball thrown to me that often (8 receptions, 88 yards), but I’ve got good hands. I’m looking forward to catching a few more balls this year.”

Academically, Cole maintains a 3.3 GPA and has scored a 21 on an early ACT attempt. He said he’s going to take the test again in an effort to notch a higher score. He plans to major in business, pre-law and eventually enter law school in college.