Football Recruiting - Midwest Region: mike mitchell
Ohio State offer not lost on Jefferson 
April, 23, 2013
Apr 23
5:32
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
When reached via text message, Malik Jefferson (Mesquite, Texas/Poteet) didn’t have much to say about his offer from Ohio State.
Then again, the exclamation point said plenty.
Then again, the exclamation point said plenty.
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Bold prediction: Penn State will hang on to a top-25 class, even if just by the slimmest of margins. Bill O'Brien and his staff deserve all the credit in the world for having to originally put together a class after the scandal and then reshaping it after NCAA sanctions were levied in July.
Illinois
Biggest need: The Illini's offense was arguably the worst in the Big Ten in 2012, and Illinois needs help just about everywhere on offense, especially at the skill positions.
Biggest recruit: Four-star athlete Aaron Bailey is the future at quarterback for Illinois, and the coaches will expect him to be ready to take the reins once Nathan Scheelhaase moves on.
Indiana
Biggest need: To just put up a fence around Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Kevin Wilson did that, assuaging defensive line concerns in the process by adding Indianapolis linemen David Kenney III and Darius Latham.
Biggest recruit: The Hoosiers are not accustomed to landing ESPN 150 prospects, but not only did they get Rashard Fant, but they got him all the way out of Georgia.
Iowa
Biggest need: After having several productive running backs over the past decade, the Hawkeyes are hurting in the backfield due to injuries and off-the-field issues.
Biggest recruit: The Hawkeyes were after Berkley Edwards for a while, but once that fell through they put the screws to former Boston College running back commit LeShun Daniels. He flipped shortly after an official visit to Iowa.
Michigan
Biggest need: Brady Hoke is transitioning to a pro-style offense, and he needed a pocket passer and a running back who makes his living in between the tackles.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris is that pro-style quarterback, but he is also the unquestioned leader of Team 134 and helped put together one of the nation’s top classes.
Michigan State
Biggest need: The Spartans will lose their top two rushers from 2012, including Big Ten rushing leader Le’Veon Bell, so running back is a priority. They are bringing in two.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Damion Terry is a capable thrower and runner, and he led his high school to a state title as a senior. Andrew Maxwell did not exactly lock down the starting quarterback job with his performance last season.
Minnesota
Biggest need: Donnell Kirkwood is a promising player at running back, but he struggled against some of the league’s better defenses and wore down late in the season. A complement is sorely needed.
Biggest recruit: Three-star running back Berkley Edwards is the younger brother of former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. Berkley is one of the Gophers’ highest-rated commitments, and running back is a position that lends itself to an easy transition.
Nebraska
Biggest need: Nebraska needs to return to its days of the Blackshirts, as the Huskers' defense was gashed on the ground all season. The Huskers need help along the defensive line.
Biggest recruit: Elite 11 finalist Johnny Stanton is a dual-threat quarterback, but he’s a much more polished passer than Taylor Martinez, who has taken his share of lumps since his flashy start in Lincoln.
Northwestern
Biggest need: Now that the Wildcats are a legitimate threat in the Big Ten under Pat Fitzgerald, the next step is to get better athletes to compete with Michigan and Ohio State. Fitzgerald is doing that with Ifeadi Odenigbo in 2012 and Godwin Igwebuike in 2013.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Matt Alviti had offers from some big programs including Notre Dame, but he chose nearby Northwestern. The Wildcats have an unsettled situation at quarterback, and as a local product Alviti could be called for by the fans if the quarterback play does not improve.
Ohio State
Biggest need: Linebacker was the biggest need for the Buckeyes, and after a shaky start Urban Meyer wrapped up a nice haul at the position with ESPN 150 products Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell.
Biggest recruit: It’s a tie between Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, who are separated by just a few spots in the ESPN 150. Both have game-breaking ability as a receiver or out of the backfield.
Penn State
Biggest need: Despite significantly improved play from Matt McGloin in 2012, the Nittany Lions have not been blessed with quarterbacks the past decade, with the exception of a few good seasons from Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark.
Biggest recruit: While the class did field its share of decommitments, the damage would have been irreparable if No. 1 QB Christian Hackenberg bolted. By staying on, he instilled confidence in several other recruits to stay or join him in State College.
Purdue
Biggest need: The quarterback situation at Purdue has been unsettled the past few seasons, which is not good when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Biggest recruit: An Elite 11 finalist, Danny Etling stuck with the Boilermakers through the coaching change. He will be looked at as the future of the program.
Wisconsin
Biggest need: While the Badgers always have a strong stable of backs, losing Montee Ball is going to hurt, especially in the red zone. Wisconsin addressed it with top commitment Corey Clement.
Biggest recruit: The loss of Russell Wilson left a major void at quarterback, but the Badgers landed quarterback Tanner McEvoy on Monday. McEvoy is ranked No. 44 among juco prospects nationally and the expectation is he will contend for a starting job immediately.
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Bold prediction: Penn State will hang on to a top-25 class, even if just by the slimmest of margins. Bill O'Brien and his staff deserve all the credit in the world for having to originally put together a class after the scandal and then reshaping it after NCAA sanctions were levied in July.
Illinois
Biggest need: The Illini's offense was arguably the worst in the Big Ten in 2012, and Illinois needs help just about everywhere on offense, especially at the skill positions.
Biggest recruit: Four-star athlete Aaron Bailey is the future at quarterback for Illinois, and the coaches will expect him to be ready to take the reins once Nathan Scheelhaase moves on.
Indiana
Biggest need: To just put up a fence around Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Kevin Wilson did that, assuaging defensive line concerns in the process by adding Indianapolis linemen David Kenney III and Darius Latham.
Biggest recruit: The Hoosiers are not accustomed to landing ESPN 150 prospects, but not only did they get Rashard Fant, but they got him all the way out of Georgia.
Iowa
Biggest need: After having several productive running backs over the past decade, the Hawkeyes are hurting in the backfield due to injuries and off-the-field issues.
Biggest recruit: The Hawkeyes were after Berkley Edwards for a while, but once that fell through they put the screws to former Boston College running back commit LeShun Daniels. He flipped shortly after an official visit to Iowa.
Michigan
Biggest need: Brady Hoke is transitioning to a pro-style offense, and he needed a pocket passer and a running back who makes his living in between the tackles.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 150 quarterback Shane Morris is that pro-style quarterback, but he is also the unquestioned leader of Team 134 and helped put together one of the nation’s top classes.
Michigan State
Biggest need: The Spartans will lose their top two rushers from 2012, including Big Ten rushing leader Le’Veon Bell, so running back is a priority. They are bringing in two.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Damion Terry is a capable thrower and runner, and he led his high school to a state title as a senior. Andrew Maxwell did not exactly lock down the starting quarterback job with his performance last season.
Minnesota
Biggest need: Donnell Kirkwood is a promising player at running back, but he struggled against some of the league’s better defenses and wore down late in the season. A complement is sorely needed.
Biggest recruit: Three-star running back Berkley Edwards is the younger brother of former Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards. Berkley is one of the Gophers’ highest-rated commitments, and running back is a position that lends itself to an easy transition.
Nebraska
Biggest need: Nebraska needs to return to its days of the Blackshirts, as the Huskers' defense was gashed on the ground all season. The Huskers need help along the defensive line.
Biggest recruit: Elite 11 finalist Johnny Stanton is a dual-threat quarterback, but he’s a much more polished passer than Taylor Martinez, who has taken his share of lumps since his flashy start in Lincoln.
Northwestern
Biggest need: Now that the Wildcats are a legitimate threat in the Big Ten under Pat Fitzgerald, the next step is to get better athletes to compete with Michigan and Ohio State. Fitzgerald is doing that with Ifeadi Odenigbo in 2012 and Godwin Igwebuike in 2013.
Biggest recruit: ESPN 300 dual-threat quarterback Matt Alviti had offers from some big programs including Notre Dame, but he chose nearby Northwestern. The Wildcats have an unsettled situation at quarterback, and as a local product Alviti could be called for by the fans if the quarterback play does not improve.
Ohio State
Biggest need: Linebacker was the biggest need for the Buckeyes, and after a shaky start Urban Meyer wrapped up a nice haul at the position with ESPN 150 products Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell.
Biggest recruit: It’s a tie between Jalin Marshall and Dontre Wilson, who are separated by just a few spots in the ESPN 150. Both have game-breaking ability as a receiver or out of the backfield.
Penn State
Biggest need: Despite significantly improved play from Matt McGloin in 2012, the Nittany Lions have not been blessed with quarterbacks the past decade, with the exception of a few good seasons from Michael Robinson and Daryll Clark.
Biggest recruit: While the class did field its share of decommitments, the damage would have been irreparable if No. 1 QB Christian Hackenberg bolted. By staying on, he instilled confidence in several other recruits to stay or join him in State College.
Purdue
Biggest need: The quarterback situation at Purdue has been unsettled the past few seasons, which is not good when it comes to the most important position on the field.
Biggest recruit: An Elite 11 finalist, Danny Etling stuck with the Boilermakers through the coaching change. He will be looked at as the future of the program.
Wisconsin
Biggest need: While the Badgers always have a strong stable of backs, losing Montee Ball is going to hurt, especially in the red zone. Wisconsin addressed it with top commitment Corey Clement.
Biggest recruit: The loss of Russell Wilson left a major void at quarterback, but the Badgers landed quarterback Tanner McEvoy on Monday. McEvoy is ranked No. 44 among juco prospects nationally and the expectation is he will contend for a starting job immediately.
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) will be the first to admit there’s prestige for being a Big Ten Conference linebacker. It was one of several reasons why he chose Ohio State during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday.
Mitchell, No. 121 in the ESPN, chose the Buckeyes over Texas A&M and Oregon. Along with building a great relationship with his recruiting contact, offensive coordinator Tom Herman, Mitchell said he did his homework on the resume of the prototype Big Ten linebackers.
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After going more than seven months without a linebacker in the 2013 recruiting class, Ohio State now has two ESPN 150 prospects at the position.
On Saturday, Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) committed to the Buckeyes at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, following in the footsteps of Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett), who picked the Buckeyes at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday.
What Mitchell brings to the Buckeyes is an attitude they’ve been looking for to fill the position and one that fits the mold of some of the biggest names in Ohio State history.
On Saturday, Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) committed to the Buckeyes at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, following in the footsteps of Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett), who picked the Buckeyes at the Under Armour All-America Game on Friday.
What Mitchell brings to the Buckeyes is an attitude they’ve been looking for to fill the position and one that fits the mold of some of the biggest names in Ohio State history.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- For months, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer and his staff have made the No. 2 inside linebacker prospect in the country a recruiting priority.
Their patience paid off tonight when Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) committed to Ohio State during the Under Armour All-America Game, live on ESPN.
UNDER ARMOUR GAME 2013
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A longtime Auburn Tigers commitment, Johnson happened to be returning from his official visit to Ohio State on Nov. 25 when Auburn fired coach Gene Chizik. That time on the Columbus, Ohio, campus helped the No. 2 inside linebacker get a better feel for the Buckeyes.
“When I took a visit up there it was different,” said Johnson, a starter in the UA Game. “I kind of like the feel up there, the depth chart. And there are many factors that make it a good fit there.”
The addition of Johnson gives Ohio State 20 commitments, nine of those being members of the ESPN 150, and boosts what is already the No. 4 recruiting class in the ESPN rankings.
Johnson, who made 140 tackles, three sacks, and one interception as a senior, is the first linebacker commitment for the Buckeyes in the 2013 class. They are still working to add linebacker and ESPN 150 prospect Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian Academy), and are in the mix for another standout in the Peach State, Under Armour All-American safety Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland).
U.S. Army Bowl: Monday notebook
December, 31, 2012
12/31/12
8:51
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles and
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) isn’t big on speaking publicly. He’d rather let his game do the talking -- and it speaks volumes.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 222-pound linebacker officially confirmed that he will announce his college plans during Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Oregon, Texas A&M and Ohio State are his three finalists.
Mitchell said all three schools -- and even a fourth, Oklahoma -- had their positive qualities throughout his recruiting process. It was a feeling of comfort, however, that seemed to win him over.
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OSU Recruiting: A look back at the week
December, 24, 2012
12/24/12
9:30
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State didn’t get another commit out of the class of 2013, but that didn’t mean the Buckeyes went into the dead period without continuing to amp up efforts to land some big names.
From recruits scheduling visits to others setting announcement dates, here’s a look at how things shook out last week.
Ohio State began the week just hours after hearing Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) and Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) were set to announce their college choices at their respective all-star games. The Buckeyes also found out Orlando Brown Jr. (Duluth, Ga./Peachtree Ridge) put them in his top eight.
From recruits scheduling visits to others setting announcement dates, here’s a look at how things shook out last week.
Ohio State began the week just hours after hearing Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) and Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) were set to announce their college choices at their respective all-star games. The Buckeyes also found out Orlando Brown Jr. (Duluth, Ga./Peachtree Ridge) put them in his top eight.
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Guide: OSU recruiting during dead period
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
12:33
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
As of this moment, we sit smack dab in the middle of a dead period that lasts through Jan. 3, 2013. While it’s considered “dead,” it really isn’t at all.
It’s a time when coaches aren’t allowed to meet recruits in-person whether on campus or off. Prospects can still visit bowl practices, but only if those practices are open to the public. They still can receive calls from coaches once a week.
While Ohio State really never stops the recruiting process -- the Buckeyes have amped up efforts with no bowl game -- it does slow down a bit during the holiday season.
It’s a time when coaches aren’t allowed to meet recruits in-person whether on campus or off. Prospects can still visit bowl practices, but only if those practices are open to the public. They still can receive calls from coaches once a week.
While Ohio State really never stops the recruiting process -- the Buckeyes have amped up efforts with no bowl game -- it does slow down a bit during the holiday season.
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#BlueChipBattles: Dec. 21
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
5:29
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comReuben Foster (center) is torn between good friends Dee Liner (left) and Tray Matthews (right).No. 1 ILB Reuben Foster has voiced his desire to play with at least one of his SEC-bound friends next season. But will he follow Tray Matthews to Georgia or hook up with Dee Liner wherever the ESPN 150 DL settles? It remains to be seen, but the mystery surrounding his recruitment keeps Foster at the top of our #BlueChipBattles.
Each week, RecruitingNation summons its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day.
Here are this week's top battles
, and you can take a shot at ranking the top 10 recruiting battles on SportsNation.Ohio State 2013: Needs versus wants
December, 18, 2012
12/18/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
It’s the dead period in college football recruiting, which means coaches can still call players once a week, but they can not make on- or off-campus contact with non mid-year enrollees.
With that said, the Buckeyes can probably take four or five more players in the Class of 2013 depending on medical hardships, players transferring or leaving early for the NFL draft.
Here’s a position by position look at what the Buckeyes want vs. what they need.
With that said, the Buckeyes can probably take four or five more players in the Class of 2013 depending on medical hardships, players transferring or leaving early for the NFL draft.
Here’s a position by position look at what the Buckeyes want vs. what they need.
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This past weekend was the last few days before the dead period, which will run until the New Year, and the weekend came with some big news for some of the Midwest's biggest programs.
Here is a look at some of the news to come from the weekend.
Here is a look at some of the news to come from the weekend.
- Michigan added two commitments, including one from David Dawson, a former Michigan commit. The momentum swung in the Wolverines' favor once again a few weeks ago when Brady Hoke offered the ESPN 150 offensive lineman for the second time. Michigan also added Dawson's Detroit Cass Tech teammate Delano Hill, a former Iowa commit.
- Ohio State did not host any big visitors, but the Buckeyes got some good news. ESPN 150 linebackers Trey Johnson and Mike Mitchell announced they will commit in early January, and the Buckeyes are in a good position to land both.
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ESPN 150 LBs to commit at all-star games
December, 16, 2012
12/16/12
6:38
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
By Jan. 5, Ohio State will have a much clearer picture of its linebacker situation in the recruiting class of 2013.
The Buckeyes are high on two ESPN 150 linebackers and both plan on announcing their commitments at all-star games just after the new year.
The first of which should come from Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 4, according to his coach Todd Wofford. Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) will likely follow suit the next day at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
The Buckeyes are high on two ESPN 150 linebackers and both plan on announcing their commitments at all-star games just after the new year.
The first of which should come from Trey Johnson (Lawrenceville, Ga./Central Gwinnett) at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 4, according to his coach Todd Wofford. Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) will likely follow suit the next day at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
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Mike Mitchell's OSU visit was 'awesome'
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
3:54
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ken Mitchell didn’t hear anything about a commitment to Ohio State from his son, ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), following an official visit to Columbus, Ohio, over the weekend.
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
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The official visit of Gareon Conley (Massillon, Ohio/Washington) is an interesting one, as the ESPN 150 cornerback will spend a whole bunch of time one-on-one with Urban Meyer and his coaching staff.
While most of this weekend’s heavy hitters --Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas, Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) are expected in town -- will make their official visits beginning on Friday, Conley will not.
Because of the ACT test Saturday morning and a boys basketball game at Canton Timken later that night, Conley’s official visit actually started Wednesday night and runs through Friday.
While most of this weekend’s heavy hitters --Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas, Prestonwood Christian) and Donovan Munger (Shaker Heights, Ohio/Shaker Heights) are expected in town -- will make their official visits beginning on Friday, Conley will not.
Because of the ACT test Saturday morning and a boys basketball game at Canton Timken later that night, Conley’s official visit actually started Wednesday night and runs through Friday.
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Mike Mitchell getting to know OSU well
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
10:00
AM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ohio State’s -- pardon the pun -- blitz for outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) hits overdrive this weekend, as the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior finally makes his way to Columbus.
The team has been trying to get Mitchell on campus for months, but his team’s success in the regular season and part of the postseason prevented the ESPN 150 prospect from coming to Columbus. Finally, Ohio State will have Mitchell all to its own on an official visit, as he'll be in town Friday through Sunday.
The Buckeyes have been no stranger to Mitchell, as assistants Tom Herman and Luke Fickell were in Plano last week to check in on the No. 121-ranked player in the country.
The team has been trying to get Mitchell on campus for months, but his team’s success in the regular season and part of the postseason prevented the ESPN 150 prospect from coming to Columbus. Finally, Ohio State will have Mitchell all to its own on an official visit, as he'll be in town Friday through Sunday.
The Buckeyes have been no stranger to Mitchell, as assistants Tom Herman and Luke Fickell were in Plano last week to check in on the No. 121-ranked player in the country.
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The Midwest Region consists of the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and is where the foundation of most Big Ten recruiting classes are made up of. It's also where the MAC finds most of its talent and national programs hunt for prospects.
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