Watch out Marvel, “Doctor” Cole Strange doesn’t need sorcery to dominate mankind, he uses brute strength to impose his will upon opponents that dare to come in his path. His mission, to take over the NFL. When asked what he believes to be the most important skill set to being an offensive lineman, he replied
“Playing aggressive, and tough and mean”
Philly would love this guy!
“Dr Strange” was born Devin Cole Strange July 31, 1998. “I grew up in Lenoir City TN, I moved to Farragut (about 10 miles away) in middle school.”
Cole stated he comes from a close family. He has an older brother, Dylan and a younger sister, Anna. Neither of his parents played college sports, but he stated his father was close to playing for TN. “My dad coached me some in little league. He always preached about being self-motivated saying things like ‘you need to want to do this on your own.’ “
Those lessons have reverberated within him his whole life. Cole stated one of his most memorable football moments was when he was in the second round of the Pee Wee playoffs and they were “getting whooped 24–8”. He went to the team “The game’s not over until it’s over boys” Cole modestly stated he doesn’t believe that rallied troops, but they came back to tie the game in regulation, and won in overtime. The team went on to win the Pee Wee championship the following week.
That competitive, aggressive nature is in his DNA. When asked what sport he would play if it weren’t football he stated “I would wrestle or (engage) in some sort of combat sport. I was doing some Jiu Jitsu pre covid. There’s just something about the physicality and grit with those sports that are similar to football. Where you are imposing your will on another being”
Coles plays angry, and his actions do all the talking. “I’m not the ‘Ra-Ra’ guy, but I do see myself as a leader. I’m not too vocal, I’m more of a lead by example kind of player. (My teammates) would say that I’m a hard worker. Whether its in the weight room or on the field. I’m a reliable teammate”
Off the field Cole describes himself as a mild mannered homebody “One of my hobbies is that I collect records.” He continued “Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of my favorites. I also listen to guys like Metallica or Led Zeppelin. (And) I like reading”
The soon to be NFL lineman played HS football at Farragut High, 20 miles outside of Knoxville. It didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself on the field. Cole was an All-State selection as a senior at Farragut Academy, and was named KIL Defensive Player of the Year. The twice named team captain and two-time all-district also played in the Tennessee-Kentucky Border Bowl earning Defensive MVP & All-Bowl team. In addition to his football accolades, Cole was just as dominant in the classroom, as an Honor Roll student.
His hard work and determination was recognized throughout his High School journey, and he was rewarded with scholarship offers. Including one for an opportunity to play relatively close to home.
“I actually signed with the Air Force coming out of high school, but I ultimately decided to stay close to home and obtained a scholarship to Chattanooga.” UTC is about a 90 minute drive from his families home.
Choosing UTC ended up being the best decision for Cole, and he wasted no time proving it was the right decision for them too.
As a 5-year starter on the offensive line (using the COVID exception for a sixth-year of eligibility in 2021) Cole, astonishingly, only allowed one sack in his college career across 582 drop backs. His only sack came from when he slid over to LT. So, his 1 sack came at a position he never played before. Cole never gave one up at guard during his 44 career starts at UTC. (41 at LG, 2 playing LT and 1 at C)
His high level of play were a factor in elevating the production of two UTC RBs. (Tyrell Price and Ailym Ford) They gained an average of 2.25 yards more per rushing attempt and 1.4 yards more per rush BEFORE CONTACT when running to the right side (the stat excluded runs to the right end, but the yards before contact are about the same).
Cole was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Award, given to the conference’s best blocker. (Corey Levin, current OG for the Titans and past Chattanooga Moc, also previously won the award.) Strange’s eye opening play attracted the attention of Phil Savage, and he was invited to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Strange more than held his own during a very impressive week in Mobile Alabama, and the scouting reports all throughout the process were positive.
“He just walls off the linebackers, and anyone else in his path”
“This kid is a finisher. Cole doesn’t just play to the whistle, he plays through it”
“Cole has one of the nastiest grips I’ve ever seen. In fact, when I think of grip from now on, he may be my example.”
“Strange possesses a high football IQ, elite on field awareness, and great athleticism”
His performance during Senior Bowl week, coupled with the style of play and attitude he brings to the field are traits all NFL GM’s covet on their offensive line. Cole met with all 32 teams while at the Senior Bowl.
“We talked to every single NFL team, and it was kind of like a speed dating thing. We talked to 16 different teams for 15 minutes each on Monday, and then we did the other 16 team on Thursday.
His ascent to the National stage has only been surpassed by his rise up NFL draft boards.
Whichever franchise selects Cole will love his attitude, and the intangibles he brings to a team. “Someone who is going to add to their culture. If the culture that they want to have is mean and tough and playing aggressive and someone who is going to work as hard as anyone else in the locker room.”
This April, he will find out which team he will be playing for, with the hopes to elevate them to an NFL Championship. Selfishly, I hope that team is in Philadelphia.
Cole would fit perfectly into an immediate all purpose backup role with the Eagles, while receiving tutelage under Jeff Stoutland. Cole can play Center, Guard, or even LT if needed. He has already proven himself to be a fast study. Strange played defensive end all throughout high school, then transitioned to playing soley on the offensive line in college.
Playing on the offensive line, unlike any other position, seems to be defined more by an individuals makeup, character and personal drive. If those are the characteristics the Eagles are valuing, then Strange will be on their board. He appreciates, competing, aggression, toughness and current Eagles center Jason Kelce.
“He is one, if not the, best center in the league. I am absolutely a fan. He is someone I enjoy watching”
I can’t think of a better mentor for Cole anywhere else in the NFL.
During my conversation with Cole, his attitude reminded me of something Kelce famously said during the Eagles parade speech.
“There is a quote in the O-line room that has stayed on the wall for the last five years. ‘Hungry dogs run faster.’ THAT’S THIS TEAM!”
Cole, when asked what he thought his biggest achievement was “I am not very satisfied with what I’ve accomplished so far. It really helps drive me in order to achieve better things. I want to have done something that I can really be proud of” If that isn’t the very definition of a hungry dog, I don’t know what is.
At the Combine in Indianapolis, Cole further described his sadistic side while on the playing field, and how he likes to flip the proverbial switch.
“I look at it as it’s the only place you can just kind of be a dick head. You know, you can hurt somebody, you can bury somebody, you can kind of give an elbow in their neck. And people kind of revere you for that. And also, it’s just fun, you know? Yeah, I just enjoy that.”
The Eagles have already had one player who would flip a switch when they got on the football field. None other than NFL HOF legend Brian Dawkins. Cole described the evolution of his on field transformation “When I was younger, I remember my dad telling me to flip the switch on the football field. The place to be mean and aggressive, and off the field, you’re not that person.”
I showed Cole the video of Dawkins’ metamorphous into his on field persona, Weapon X .
“I love that!, I love him saying he’s Weapon X”
Philadelphia loves that too! And they’re ready for another Marvel Hero.
Cole does have a degree in psychology and I asked him if he had any plans after football to utilize it. He indicated that a future Dr Strange isn’t as far fetched as it seems.
“I have considered it, if I’m lucky enough to play a long time in the NFL, I would certainly consider that!”
Paging Dr Strange…
A BIG thank you to Cole for his time. I wish you well in the draft and during your career.
Follow Cole @ColeStrange2
As always, thank you for reading.
David 3/4/2022
Follow me @PhlEagleNews