Cyclones stay involved on Mitchell
Offers have been pouring in for Elkhart (Ind.) Concord defensive back Cedric Mitchell.
He’s gone from a relatively unknown name to one of Indiana’s top college prospects in a short amount of time. He has received an offer from Iowa State and recently made a trip to Ames for an unofficial visit.
“The visit was really good,” Mitchell said. “Getting to get a better look at their school by staying up there for two days. The coaches are really nice and excited to have me visit and experience the atmosphere.”
He is described by Concord head coach Craig Koehler as a “late bloomer” and “very quiet kid.” In March, Koehler predicted, accurately, that “he will end up with multiple offers.” According to Koehler, Mitchell is a “game-changer on offense and special teams” while also being physical on defense. Koehler has timed him as “low to mid 4.4’s multiple times.”
It’s hard not to like what Mitchell brings on the field. He’s a 6-foot-2, 180-pound triple-sport athlete, also playing hoops and running track. He is as versatile and instinctive as they come, flowing to the ball nicely on defense and exhibiting vision in the return game. Mitchell contributes on offense as a wide receiver, plays safety on defense and returns kicks on special teams. His bulky, long frame gives him the appearance of a linebacker in the secondary. Mitchell can stay square, come to balance and make plays in space. He can also go up and contest balls in pass coverage.
Mitchell might fit best in college on offense; one fellow evaluator projects him to play there at the next level. He can adjust to high and low passes. He exhibits a nice extra gear and vertical burst downfield. He can work on his own over the middle of the field and high point the ball in a crowd. As a dynamic kick returner, he can make defenders miss in space, and be gone if he finds a crease.
Mitchell has an uncle that plays for the University of Bluffton, a Division III school in Ohio. In terms of what he wants in a school, he is looking for “a good education, making new friends and meeting new people.”
Cedric also has offers from Toledo, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Miami-Ohio, Temple, and Ball State.
Bryan Ault is the publisher of Indiana Football Scout; follow him on twitter: @INFootballScout