Utah Football RB Mike Mitchell Working Hard To Earn Role

Aug 12, 2024, 3:22 PM | Updated: Aug 15, 2024, 10:22 am

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football begins its third week of fall camp today as we inch closer and closer to the start of the 2024 season. Expectations are high for the program as it enters its first season in a new Big 12 Conference.

Coaches have seen positive developments through the first two weeks of camp. There are still things to be sorted out with the depth chart but there is a growing confidence with various elements of the squad.

This year’s running back group features a good mixture of experience and potential. Utah was hopeful they’d identify a bell cow type of back or one that would separate himself from the pack.

Any separation in the running back room?

According to head coach, Kyle Whittingham, the running back battle is still pretty competitive. It seems though that redshirt freshman Mike Mitchell has put himself squarely in the mix for the RB1 duties.

“Pretty much what we saw at the beginning, not a lot of separation,” Whittingham said. “I would say if there has been separation Micah Bernard, Mike Mitchell, and Jaylon Glover are the first three, not particularly in that order.”

Last season’s experience helped mold Mike Mitchell’s mindset

After speaking with Mitchell for the first time in camp, it’s easy to see why he’s in the mix. The second-year-back has a refreshingly honest belief in himself and his ability.

“As an underclassman that didn’t play last year, I’m trying to get that No. 1 role,” Mitchell said of his mindset this offseason. “I’m working my way up the depth chart and I’m just trying to bring my A-game to practice every day.”

After joining the team last summer, Mitchell had to redshirt this past season. Though it was difficult to not have the opportunity to play in year one, Mitchell made the best of his situation.

“I was on scout, I took it to the chin, so I decided to just give my best to the defense” Mitchell shared. “My game days were during the week in practice. I knew I wasn’t going to get playing time but I made sure the defense felt me, that they knew who I was, so by the time I hear my name called, I’ll be ready.”

“Everyone at home or on vacation during break, I’m here in Utah just working out, practicing. I’m just trying to be the best me because if I can be the best me, then I can contribute to the team. That was my mindset all off-season.” – Mike Mitchell

At 6-foot, 217 pounds, Mitchell has the sort of build that is synonymous with the bell cow type of backs Utah has had in recent years. He’s worked hard to prepare himself physically, that much is apparent. However, he feels he’s improved most in the mental phase of the game.

“I’m really comfortable and getting more comfortable with the offense,” he said. “My eyes got better. Just being around a college team my senses got better. Knowing which hole to hit, knowing the personnel the defense is in, knowing the pros and cons of running the ball based on who is in front of me.”

Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover set the example

The two veteran running backs are important pillars of the group. They are the guys that have earned the trust of coaches on Saturdays. They are the leaders and guys the others turn to for guidance.

“First, I look up to those guys, they’re my older brothers,” Mitchell said of Bernard and Glover. “I always look at them as my competition but at the same time, I’m learning from those guys. I approach it like, whatever you guys do, I have to do it ten times better.”

Fellow running back Hunter Andrews, also chimed in on those veterans and what he’s picked up from them.

“Just their work ethic, every day they’re in the film room studying hard,” Andrews shared. “Any question I have them, they answer for me, and they just give 100% effort in everything they do.”