Antonio Cole picks Kansas, won't take more visits
When Antonio Cole went into his Kansas visit this weekend he had two schools left on his list. Once Sunday came around the list was cut down to one school.
After his official visit to Lawrence the versatile defensive back ended his recruiting giving the Kansas coaches a verbal commitment.
He told Kansas head coach David Beaty and defensive coordinator Clint Bowen of his intentions.
“They were both happy when I committed,” Cole said. “Coach Beaty was excited and welcomed me to the family.”
Before Cole met with the coaches on Sunday he already knew what school he would be going to. On Saturday he was talking to an athlete at Kansas and said he would be on campus next fell.
“I told the coaches a story I was talking to one of the girls on the KU soccer team and told her I will be here next year to watch the soccer team play,” Cole said of already knowing his decision.
One reason the Jayhawks wanted Cole was his ability to play different positions in the secondary. He can play corner, safety, or nickel.
“Coach Bowen said my versatility is what I can bring to the table,” Cole said. “He said I can run with good hips. He said he can put me in nickel to cover a slot or I can go man across the board. And if they need me at safety I can go there.”
Cole signed with Utah State as a safety before playing at Highland Community College. Bowen also recruited Cole before he signed at Utah State.
“Coach Bowen was honest with me the whole time,” he said. “He always told me the truth.”
He narrowed his schools to Kansas, Minnesota, and Iowa State. When Minnesota changed coaches he took them off his list. He was set to visit to visit Iowa State on Jan. 27.
“I’m committed to Kansas,” he said. “I told the coaches I am not visiting Iowa State.”
Cole is ready to get to Kansas and finish his career as a Jayhawk calling Kansas a program on the rise.
“It was such a fun weekend,” he said. “It was more than I expected it to be. The facilities were very nice. The locker room was ridiculous, it was awesome. Everyone from the players and coaches were genuine. It was really cool. I have been down this road before but this time I know I will be happy. KU is a place I want to be.”