By Erik Harris
CLAY – Cole Garrison, who is set to return as a second-year starter on the Clay-Chalkville offensive line, is in no hurry.
As a junior starting for the first time at the varsity level, Garrison helped pave the way for a record setting offensive campaign for the Cougars.
Now that his film has gotten out and his first scholarship offer from Tennessee Tech has rolled in, the versatile blocker has grabbed the attention of more college programs.
“It feels nice to finally just get some interest and see that I can play somewhere,” said Garrison.
Following the Tennessee Tech offer, he quickly secured three more offers in only a weeks’ time. Georgia State, Gardner-Webb, UT Martin and Tennessee Tech have all extended scholarships.
Garrison bounced back and forth between left guard and left tackle in 2014, but seems to find more comfort in the interior.
“During the spring game I played guard; I think that’s where I’ll probably end up, but I’ll do whatever they need me to,” said Garrison.
At 6-foot-4, 280-pounds, he wants to find more aggression to unleash throughout his senior year. He also wants to work on keeping his pads lower than they were a season ago.
Those are aspects that can be sharpened this summer as he competes in numerous college camps. Garrison plans on camping at Louisiana Lafayette, UT Martin and Georgia State among others.
“I’m doing a bunch of camps this summer, so that will be fun,” said Garrison. “I’ll get a glimpse of some of the schools and then I’ll do visits later on.”
The soon-to-be senior is not pressing to find a school. He would like to finish his final season in high school, see what offers he has to choose from, and make a decision after the 2015 season has played out.
Garrison has no leader at this time.