Re: Rams worked out 2-time All American RB with late interest…

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Rams Worked Out 2-Time All-American RB With Late NFL Interest: Report​

Could the Los Angeles Rams plaster a rare hidden gem talent who’s a two-time All-American running back on their 2023 NFL Draft board?

T.J. Cole has created some late NFL buzz heading toward the draft — out of NCAA Division II program Ouachita Baptist of Arkansas. Cole got to work out in front of the Rams per NFL insider Aaron Wilson of NBC 2 Houston on Tuesday, April 11 during his Pro Day. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Cole not only earned All-American accolades at the private Baptist university, but was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy — which annually goes to the best player in Division II.

Wilson includes Cole leaped to a 32 inch vertical jump, ran his 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds and has fielded interest outside of the Rams — with the insider naming off the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Cardinals as the other newly interested teams ahead of the draft.

All-American History & Background

Cole’s first taste of earning All-American honors was in 2017.

The native of Texarkana, Texas not only guided his high school Pleasant Grove to the Class 4A Division II state title, but Cole ended that season earning First Team All-State RB honors.

Cole wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school even with a state ring in tow. He ultimately settled for the school located in the small community of Arkadelphia (population of 10,380 according to the city website).

But he didn’t stop placing his name with the words “All-American.” In 2021, he broke his conference record (Great American Conference) in rushing yards with 1,530 and finished with 17 touchdowns — earning him AFCA First Team All-American recognition after that season.

He would go on to follow with another record-shattering season — this time compiling 1,672 yards and an astronomical 26 scores. He ended up as the school’s all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns at 49 total. He was not only the bell cow back for OBU, but also took direct snaps at quarterback and powered into the end zone.

Should the Rams take in Cole in the draft, it gives L.A. a rare DII product, though it wouldn’t be the first time the Rams went that direction. In 2021, the Rams selected edge rusher Chris Garrett — who starred at Concordia-St. Paul.