PHONE'S RINGING -- IT'S URBAN ON THE LINE
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LAKE BUENA VISTA — Mike Mitchell is enjoying a homecoming this weekend at the Champion Gridiron Kings 7-on-7 Tournament at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.
And the Plano (Texas) Prestonwood Christian linebacker is contemplating making his trip even more memorable with the possible announcement of his college plans Sunday during the final day of the event.
Mitchell, a four-star prospect who is ranked as one of the top 50 players in the nation by Rivals.com, played varsity football as a freshman at Winter Park before moving to Texas in 2010.
Now he is thinking of committing to either Ohio State, Florida State or Texas A&M near his old stomping grounds.
“That’d be cool to make the decision here because all of my family is going to be out here on Sunday,” Mitchell said. “…All my family lives here and all my friends. So I thought that’d be a really cool place if I was to make a decision.”
As of Saturday evening, Mitchell was not 100 percent sure if he was indeed going to pick a school. If he does make a decision Sunday, it doesn't look like FSU is a likely choice.
“I still actually really want to go [visit] Florida State because I haven’t really talked to the coaches that much there,” Mitchell said. “So if I was to pick Florida State, I’d probably just hold the decision.”
Although Mitchell hasn’t visited Ohio State yet, he said he felt comfortable enough with the program, coaching staff and players to commit to the Buckeyes.
Any school that does land Mitchell, this year's Nike SPARQ national champion, will get one of the nation’s premier talents and most athletic players.
As a junior, Mitchell (6-4, 215) had 151 tackles, 11 sacks and 32 tackles for loss, impressive numbers for a player used to such accomplishments. His SPARQ score of 154.47 at The Opening in Beaverton, Ore., earlier this month stands as the national record for the four-event, agility-testing competition. Mitchell recorded an electronically-timed 4.39-second 40-yard dash and 4.00-second 5-10-5 shuttle run. He also had a 40.6-inch vertical jump and threw the 6.6-pound power ball 45 feet.
“There was a lot of work put in before that,” Mitchell said. “Me and my dad (former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Ken Mitchell) were outside training every day on the track, football field and weight room. It was a lot of tough work but it was worth it.”
Prior to his coming out party at The Opening, Mitchell had participated in just one combine during his high school career.
Mitchell’s success has to sting a little for his former teammates and coaches at Winter Park.
Through the past couple seasons, the Wildcats have relied heavily on transfers. The past two years, Winter Park’s offense was led by USF wide receiver Dvario Montgomery, who came to Central Florida from Louisiana before his sophomore season.
This year, Winter Park’s top two seniors are quarterback Asiantii Woulard, a USF commit who transfered from Orlando Freedom a year ago, and defensive back Blake McClain, a Kentucky pledged who came over from Oviedo after his freshman season.
So in a bit of an ironic twist, potentially the best player for Winter Park this season, turns out to be a player who, himself, transferred, albeit away from the school.
He’s Winter Park's version of the one who got away.
“Yeah, they were sad to see me leave,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell still has a little Florida in him. He will go to the beach with Winter Park rising senior running backs Ian Banks-Tillman and Edmund Jacobs on Sunday after Gridiron Kings, for which the championship game starts at noon.
What makes Mitchell’s departure hurt all the more for the Wildcats is the loss of his younger siblings who would have also been zoned for Winter Park.
Mitchell has five brothers and three sisters, all of their names begin with ‘M’ and most are superior athletes. Mickey Mitchell (6-8, 205) is considered one of the nation’s top 2015 basketball prospects and could very well be the next Austin Rivers (former Winter Park star and current NBA rookie).
“He’s a better quarterback than point guard,” said Ken Mitchell, who expects rising freshman McKinley Mitchell to also develop into a college football prospect.
In all, Ken Mitchell claims that his clan has won nine state titles and has collected more than 1,200 athletic trophies throughout the years.
“They take after Mom,” Mitchell said with a laugh. “They honestly have her genes ... they have the looks from her, the brains from her and the athleticism from her. Everything else they got from me.”
Ken Mitchell does not like to take credit for his children’s success, but he does relish it. Watching on as Mike Mitchell makes one stop after another at Disney, Ken proudly counts every ‘tackle’ in the one-hand-touch format of the Gridiron Kings and cheers on the kid who he said was born to play linebacker.
Ken Mitchell said his son is so focused on football that he doesn’t even have a driver’s license yet: “He just wants to play ball.”
Unlike his father, Mike Mitchell is a man of few words. He seems to find relief in the fact that his recruiting process will be slowing down soon and that he can get back on the football field to let his pads do the talking.
“I think I’ve talked it over a lot and have thought it over,” Mitchell said. “It might be time to make the decision.”
Richmond (Va.) Hermitage star Derrick Green is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation and is the last remaining option for the Wolverines to land a top running back. The 6-0, 215 pounder visited Michigan in March and made a return trip today for the Maize and Blue’s BBQ at the Big House recruiting event.
“It was a real good trip,” he stated. “I had a real good time being there with my family and we really enjoyed ourselves.”
While this was not the first time that the talented rusher has made his way to Ann Arbor, he stated the second look provided him with new insight on the Michigan experience.
“It was my second trip down,” he explained. “We went to the Big House again and I spoke with some academic people as well. I got to speak with Coach [Brady] Hoke for the first time, so that was really nice.
“He just told me where things were going with the program. He said that they would love to have me as part of their program. He said that they want me and that’s about it.”
While no decision has been made at this point, Green explained that the experience further strengthened the Wolverines’ position in his recruitment.
“It definitely helped Michigan,” he said. “I would say just to get out there – like I said, it was my first time speaking with Coach Hoke and that helped. And seeing all the different recruits going there. They were recruiting me real hard but it was a lot of fun.
“They all said that it’s a great place to be. They want to go win a national championship and they want me to be a part of it.”
Despite the Wolverines improving their standing in his eyes, Green is not close to bringing his recruitment to an end.
“I don’t know when I’m going to make a decision right now,” he stated. “I plan on narrowing my list down before my season starts, but right now I don’t know when I’m going to make my decision.
“I just want to keep building relationships with the coaches. I’m kind of not focused on this right now. I’ve got my season coming up, so that’s what I’m most focused on right now.”
As a junior, Green rushed for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. He is rated as a five-star prospect by Rivals, while 247, Scout and ESPN all rate him as a four-star prospect.
There hasn't been much movement in the recruitment of Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips safety Marcell Harris since...well, um, there hasn't been much movement at all in 2013, really. At the Gridiron Kings event over the weekend down at the Disney facility in Orlando, Harris was going to name his top five on Sunday. Then decided to hold off on it.
The big safety, who is one of the top remaining Texas targets on the board, did reveal that he plans on taking an official visit to Texas for the September 1st opener against Wyoming, which will go down at a time as yet to be determined. Unfortunately, the early nature of his official visit means that the Longhorns won't have the final word with Harris unless he makes a late trip on his own dime.
Conventional wisdom for some time has been that Florida, where his father played his collegiate football, and Texas are the leaders in his presumed top three, with the Florida State Seminoles bringing up a distant third. With no other schools seemingly seriously in the mix, perhaps Harris declined to name a top five because they aren't five teams that are viable contenders for his February signature.
Harris reportedly has some issues turning every interception opportunity into a pick at Gridiron Kings, though he did apparently convert plenty, especially for a guy who some think will eventually grow into a safety -- not currently the belief by anyone at SB Nation Recruiting after head analyst Bud Elliott saw him multiple times this summer and Scipio Tex and I saw him at The Opening.
Not as scheme versatile as typical Akina safeties, Harris would still be a strong fit for Texas because he could play some in the SAM role currently held by Demarco Cobbs that could even take advantage of his ability to come downhill by blitzing him at times, but linebacker is a dirty word in his recruitment right now, so don't expect Akina or Manny Diaz to ever mention it.
Keep in mind as well that Harris is definitely suited to play in a Cover 2 look, where he only has to worry about covering hash to sideline, something he clearly has the speed to do after making plays there at The Opening.
Texas is in good shape at this point with Harris having already taken two visits. The third is a bonus and chance to sell the program one last time, if not exactly the intensity of an opening game (ahem, Texas fans). If it's not Florida, Harris probably ends up at Texas. Right now, the issue is that it's hard to tell from his public comments if Florida is in the lead, and whether that lead is substantial, it if does at all exist.
Tarpon Springs (Fla.) East Lake offensive lineman Mason Cole couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm. The 6-5, 270 pounds rising junior took to Twitter during his trip to Michigan, raving about the experience in Ann Arbor. With the BBQ at the Big House event now completed, he went into further detail about what he liked from the visit.
“It was real good – it’s such a college town there. It’s so awesome,” he explained. “Kind of everything [stood out]. The campus is real nice. The facilities are nice. The town itself is awesome … Everything about it is just awesome.”
“Yesterday we went through all the facilities and then we kind of drove around and looked at the campus. We went to the Big House. Today we did the tour with all the other kids from 2013.”
As part of a swing through the Midwest, Cole was joined on the trip by wide receiver teammate Artavis Scott.
“We talked to Coach [Brady] Hoke, the O-line coach and all the other coaches there,” noted the young offensive lineman. “They were happy that me and Artavis came up to visit. That kind of shows a lot to them. That we’re real interested in them. It was a lot of fun.”
The duo attended Ohio State’s Friday Night Lights Camp before heading to Ann Arbor, and just arrived this evening in South Bend to take a tour of Notre Dame. Cole looked back on the trip to Ohio State and was able to make comparisons between the two visits.
“It was real cool,” he said of the experience in Columbus. “It’s kind of different from Ann Arbor, because it’s a bigger city. But it was still really nice … I kind of like the small town feel better because it just makes you feel more at home.”
Cole also provided insight on his teammate’s experiences so far.
“He liked both schools a lot,” said Cole. “He doesn’t have a Michigan offer yet. He didn’t get one – they just have to see his transcripts.”
While the long trip from Florida to the Midwest might be intimidating to some that aren’t familiar with the climate, Cole explained that he has experience dealing with the cold weather that he would face if he were to choose a Big Ten program.
“All my family lives in Chicago, so we come up here usually once or twice a year,” he stated. “We always come up during Christmas, the coldest time, so I’m used to it. That gives me an advantage because all my family are up there.”
Cole already had a scholarship offer from Michigan prior to the visit, but with 18 months still before 2014 prospects can sign with a school, he explained that he is not close to coming to any sort of decision.
“I’m just going to decide whenever I feel like I’m ready to decide,” he said. “I’m just trying to keep an open mind right now. I don’t have a top five or top three yet.”
A five-star tailback by Scout.com who figures to have a significant impact in the Buckeyes' backfield this season, true freshman Bri'onte Dunn was reportedly arrested over the weekend according to ESPN850 WKNR in Cleveland.
Land-Grant Holy Land dug up a rather interesting public record involving Dunn that cites an arrest for 'failure to control' from back in June, but it remains unclear what exactly resulted in his most recent arrest.
The 6-foot-1, 220 pound Canton, Ohio native is viewed as one of the best pure power backs in the 2012 class, and rushed for more than 5,000 yards during his illustrious high school career. Dunn has been lauded by both the Ohio State coaching staff and his former high school coach($) as being more than ready to contribute immediately, but it is unclear what type of impact this news will have on his freshman campaign.
Those seeking gasoline for the fuel to criticize Urban Meyer the disciplinarian's track record just got another couple gallons of unleaded. ESPN 850 WKNR in Cleveland is reporting that Ohio State incoming freshman running back -- and a talent that supposedly had turned some heads to point -- Bri'onte Dunn was arrested over the weekend.
With Jordan Hall already out for a minimum of two or more games this coming fall due to a foot injury and Carlos Hyde potentially not the ideal fit for Urban Meyer and Tom Herman's offense, Dunn was thought by some to be a likely to candidate to take pick up some of the remaining load at the tailback position. Ohio State may now instead have to turn to the inconsistent last season sophomore Rod Smith to help alleviate the lack of depth at the spot.
Updates after the jump:
UPDATE: Interestingly enough, the only public records presently listed involving Bri'onte Dunn and Alliance, Ohio (the site of the purported arrest) come from a June 2nd, 2012 incident in which Dunn was cited for a failure to control - exercise reasonable control in a motor vehicle accident. The status of the case also lists 'arrested':
UPDATE (9:14 PM EST): It appears the previous arrest was a red herring and something less desirable did indeed transpire.
Heard from someone back home that the Dunn weekend arrest is real. Couldn't say anything else, but doesn't look like the June arrest is all.
— Jonathan Thoma (@JonThoma) July 30, 2012
Confirmed the Dunn arrest.. I have some more information but don't want to put it out there right now. I'm sure OSU will release a statement
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) July 30, 2012
Bottom line: Even if the rumors I'm hearing are true, I'd be very surprised if Dunn is kicked off the team for something like this.
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) July 30, 2012
One of the more unintentionally funny things on our message board is young people explaining to older folk what "sticky-icky" means.
— Dave Biddle (@davebiddle) July 30, 2012
Ohio State running back and former GlenOak All-Ohioan Bri’onte Dunn was cited by the Alliance Police Department over the weekend for drug paraphernalia possession and a seat belt violation, two sources with knowledge of the incident told The Repository.
Both charges are misdemeanors and Dunn was not arrested or booked into the jail, the source said. Online reports elsewhere Sunday incorrectly said Dunn was arrested.
The Alliance Police Department would not confirm Dunn’s citation and several messages for Police Chief Scott Griffith were not returned Sunday night.
Ohio State football spokesman Jerry Emig said the school has no comment because it was still in the information-gathering and fact-finding phase. Buckeye Head Coach Urban Meyer was unavailable to comment because he is on a retreat with his coaching staff.
One source told The Repository that Dunn was initially pulled over for not wearing a seat belt and a marijuana pipe was found in the car. There was a second passenger in the car, the source said.
Meyer has had a low tolerance for players who get into trouble off the field. OSU's new coach suspended offensive lineman Jack Mewhort and tight end Jake Stoneburner indefinitely after they were charged with obstructing official business. Linebacker Storm Klein was dismissed from the team after he was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and assault.
Dunn has been expected to contribute as a freshman for the Buckeyes. Jordan Hall, who was expected to start, had surgery on his foot for a cut. He could miss multiple games this season. Dunn has been a candidate to take some of those carries.
Carlos Hyde and Rod Smith are also in contention to get the bulk of the playing time in light of Hall’s injury. If Dunn misses playing time because of his incident in Alliance over the weekend, Meyer will lack depth at the position.
Dunn ran for nearly 2,000 yards last season for GlenOak after he gained 2,030 as a junior. He transferred to GlenOak from Alliance High School and still has family in the Alliance area.
Dunn did not immediately return a phone message from The Repository on Sunday night.
Todd Porter of the Canton Repository, Bri'onte Dunn's hometown paper, is reporting that the freshman Ohio State running back expected to make an impact during the 2012 season (particularly during senior Jordan Hall's absence due to injury) was cited Saturday evening though not arrested for paraphernalia possession:
Ohio State running back and former GlenOak All-Ohioan Bri'onte Dunn was cited by the Alliance Police Department over the weekend for drug paraphernalia possession and a seat belt violation, two sources with knowledge of the incident told The Repository.
Per The Repository, the initial rumors that Dunn was arrested were inaccurate. That would explain why there were no arrest records for Dunn on the Stark County database.
Paraphernalia possesion is punishable in a misdemeanor in the state of Ohio and is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $750 fine. Assuming Dunn is convicted, he also loses his driver's license for 6 months to 5 years.
While it's unlikely as a first time offender Dunn will actually serve any time (a fine, community service, and probation is customary), it's likely that Ohio State strength coach Mickey Marotti will have his way with Dunn for much of the rest of summer. Dunn could also potentially miss the Miami University game as a punishment.
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So now he is going to make the decision today?
"I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
--Jack Tatum
I doubt it
I saw over at Bucknuts that Mike Mitchell is postponing his decision so he can visit Ohio State.
The South will NOT rise again!
Updated
Yet another top OL saying that Michigan is the favorite. What gives?
I agree, it seems like an up hill battle to get lineman. This "spread lineman" line is crap I hate when people say certain guys can't fit the offense, aren't they all taught to block up field? Damn near every team plays some sort of spread. I don't get the "label" put on it. I think its just a tactic to sway kids.
Wherever you are, there you be!
Great talent lures other great talent. They are loaded on 2013 OL recruits, so it almost sells iteself. Plus, I think we need to actually show on the field results before we can really sell OL prospects on what the OSU offense will be. scUM showed a lot of improvement in 2011 and Hoke is proving to be a good recruiter - that's how I think they have such good momentum right now. We have some work to do.
I'm curious to know more about the scUM BBQ - what goes on? How is it promoted? Green and others seem to be impressed.
Added article on Mason Cole and Derrick Green after BBQ ended
Caught with a bowl or a pipe isn't that bad. He is just going to start the season in the doghouse and have to take random pee test. Definitely a fixable situation.
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men
Yeah, a fine, maybe probation and suspended for the Miami (OH) game
Final update, added some bullets and a few $ links, that wraps it up for today