"The Tackling Machine Who Ends Plays with Pure Violence"

Dax Cole

@Dax_Cole2

IG: @Dax_c55

6’1, 210lbs, Class of 2027

Maryville HS, TN

Dax hits the field like a violent force that refuses to be ignored. He is electric, dynamic, explosive, and relentless from the moment the ball is snapped. His instincts flash with instant recognition. His first step fires like a trigger. His pursuit is fierce enough to make entire plays collapse before they ever take start. Dax is a one-person wrecking crew with a hunter’s mindset. He sheds blockers with raw power or surges straight through them with no hesitation, arriving at the ball with punishing intent. His hits are bone-rattling statements that drain confidence and change the tone of a game. Every rep with him on the field becomes a test of will for anyone standing in front of him.

His junior season numbers back up that dominance. He had 126 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 pass breakups, 34 pressures, and 4 touchdowns. Every stat screams violence, control, and complete ownership of his role. His biggest improvement came from mastering block defeat and elevating his football IQ, a product of countless hours spent studying film and learning how to prepare like a true student of the game. His motivation comes straight from defeat. A 31 - 7 loss to Blackmon in the quarterfinals established a memory he refuses to carry forward. That setback built a fire in him that now drives everything he does.

When asked to describe his skills, Dax chooses one word- Violent. He thrives on contact. He enjoys the collision. He loves the moment when a ball carrier realizes escape is impossible. His mind is just as sharp as his physical style. Before the snap, he studies alignment, posture, and tendencies. Everything ties back to film and the foundation it gives him to anticipate and attack.

What makes Dax different is the combination of leadership, mindset, and physicality that does not waver. He brings full effort every play, whether hurt or healthy. A coach knows exactly what he will get from Dax every time he steps on the field. What fuels him most is the one-on-one nature of the position. Linebacker is a battleground where success often comes down to beating the person directly in front of you. Dax thrives in that fight.

He handles adversity with a level head. No emotional swings. No panic. Whether his team is up twenty-one to zero or down twenty-one to zero, he approaches every snap as a new chance to take control. His dream is to play D1 football, and he understands that reaching that level takes sacrifice, discipline, and long hours alone in the grind. He is willing to chase it. He will consider other levels, but his standard remains high.

Dax trains with Daniel Bituli, who helped unlock a deeper understanding of the linebacker position and how to truly break down film. Now he sees the game with clarity that allows him to play faster, hit harder, and anticipate quicker. His advice to younger athletes is simple. Get in the weight room early. Build your foundation. Learn how to study film with purpose, not just watch it.

The schools that stand out to him are the ones that communicate consistently and show they care about him as a person, not just a player. He has interest from several programs already, and his favorite visit so far has been the University of Tennessee. At the center of his entire journey is a principle he lives by. Greatness is a bunch of small things done well. And Dax does every one of those small things with a fire that shows no signs of slowing down.

I assess that Dax’s ability to trigger instantly, control space, and deliver violent finishes gives him the traits college programs covet in a modern linebacker. His football intelligence elevates his natural explosiveness, allowing him to anticipate and eliminate plays with confidence. His leadership, effort, and toughness create a dependable defensive presence that elevates everyone around him and strengthens the identity of any college defense he joins.

Dax’s potential is rising fast. His mentality, film study habits, and hunger fueled by past defeat position him to become one of the most impactful defensive players in his class. With continued growth and consistent work, he has the tools to anchor a college defense and become a tone setter from day one. Expect a powerful junior and senior season that pushes his recruitment higher and showcases a linebacker built for long term success. Stay tuned.