Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Lucas Cole Jr. and Alberta Cole a member of the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame, Craig and his family lived all over the country throughout his early childhood.

He eventually landed in Texas where he attended Arlington Martin High School and excelled in both track and football gaining all district honors. Earning a football scholarship he went to Navarro College and received all conference honors. Craig then transferred to Arizona State on another football scholarship and eventually settled at Abilene Christian University.