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WEB EXCLUSIVE: Dot the i: Mitchell chooses to play football at Ohio State
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
Prestonwood Christian Academy senior linebacker Mike Mitchell has known for some time he would have the opportunity to play Division I football.
The biggest mystery was where Mitchell would go.
The 6-foot-4, 216-pounder made that decision Saturday afternoon at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as he selected Ohio State during the game, which took place in front of 40,133 people at the Alamodome in San Antonio and was broadcast live on NBC.
Mitchell, who was one of six players to announce a commitment during the game, had his finalists down to Ohio State, Texas A&M and Oregon prior to Saturday, but even his parents were in the dark as to which school he would pick.
"Maybe we can get it out of him on the ride down there," said Ken Mitchell, Mike's father and a former linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, last week.
The Prestonwood linebacker's parents were not successful.
"He made us wait until commitment time also," Mr. Mitchell said.
But while the commitment didn't come until Saturday, the wheels may have been set in motion years prior. The Mitchell family grew up in Florida and watched the Gators win multiple NCAA National Championships under head coach Urban Meyer. Meyer took over at Ohio State in 2012.
"Obviously there are a lot of factors at work, but I think that aspect played a part," Mr. Mitchell said. "Mike watched Florida growing up and always liked coach Meyer and was then able to build a relationship with him."
The hype behind Mitchell's decision makes sense.
Rivals.com had him listed as the thirst best recruit in the state for the Class of 2013 and No. 30 in the country. As a senior, Mitchell totaled 190 tackles, four sacks, seven quarterback hurries and five forced fumbles with the Lions. He also rushed for two touchdowns and registered a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown after a standout junior season at Plano West that allowed him to be named All-Collin County Defensive Player of the Year.
Mitchell continued to build buzz during the week of practices leading up to the All-American Bowl as he was touted as a standout by several scouts in attendance.
That momentum continued in the game.
Despite his West squad losing to the East, 15-8, Mitchell registered four tackles as well as a tackle for loss in the game.
"This is the elite all-star game in the country and I am so proud of Mike, his decision to attend Ohio State and how he played in this game," said Chris Cunningham, Prestonwood head coach. "In the midst of all the exposure and recognition this week, Mike handled it with class and humility while representing PCA and what we stand for with exceptional excellence."
Ohio State fans and message boards rejoiced at Mitchell's decision as the outside linebacker could play quickly based on his ability to rush the passer and stop the run.
But before projecting what college holds, Mitchell still has time to enjoy his decision, which will become official when he signs Feb. 6.
"It's a little bittersweet because this was the last of Mike's high school games and that's always a special time in a kid's life," Mr. Mitchell said. "But it was really neat to see Mike's maturity throughout this entire process and, of course, as a parent it's thrilling to know he is going to have this opportunity.
"He is going from one journey to the start of the next."
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