Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
Ohio State landed a commitment this evening from one of the most athletic defenders in the country when Virginia Beach, Virginia, Bishop Sullivan four-star inside linebacker Teradja Mitchell pledged his services to the Buckeyes during a ceremony at his high school.
Let's take a look at what Mitchell — the No. 38 prospect overall in the Class of 2018 — brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
Much like Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning, the 6-foot-2, 232-pound Mitchell is a hard-hitting defensive back in a middle linebacker's body. He's an athlete with great instincts who recognizes plays almost immediately and takes great angles when pursuing the ball carrier.
While very few passes get completed over the middle under his watch, Mitchell has great lateral movement in pass coverage and makes plays from sideline to sideline, so he's in on almost every play. Once the ball is released, he goes full speed and doesn't stop until he hits somebody.
Mitchell's size allows him to consistently overpower smaller defenders in blitzing situations, so he must continue to get stronger in order to take on much larger college linemen. And though his knowledge of offensive schemes is among the best I've ever seen from a high school linebacker, he too often tries to turn a simple tackle into a big-time hit.
Mitchell recently saw his stock drop after he showed up at Nike Football's The Opening Charlotte Regional last month a little heavier than expected and proceeded to run a 5.01-second 40-yard-dash with a vertical jump barely exceeding 30 inches.
Mitchell transferred from Bayside to Bishop Sullivan ahead of his junior season and recorded 106 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He very nearly helped the Crusaders — in their first year as a private program — upset nationally ranked and undefeated IMG Academy in the final game of the year.
IN THE CLASS
Mitchell becomes the 12th member — and second linebacker — of Ohio State's Supreme '18 recruiting class, joining five-star defensive tackle Taron Vincent, five-star quarterback Emory Jones, four-star running backs Jaelen Gill and Brian Snead, four-star offensive tackle Max Wray, four-star defensive ends Andrew Chatfield and Brenton Cox, four-star linebacker Dallas Gant, four-star cornerback Sevyn Banks and four-star safeties Josh Proctor and Jaiden Woodbey.
The number of linebackers Ohio State will bring on in 2018 is up in the air at this point in time, and mostly depends upon whether or not Jerome Baker and Dante Booker head to the NFL early. Starting middle linebacker Chris Worley is also set to graduate next spring, so the number could balloon to as many as four or five.
Mitchell's pledge seemingly ends all hopes of a commitment from California four-star Solomon Tuliaupupu, who the staff has significant interest in but would also man the inside linebacker position. It may even have an effect on Georgia three-star Michael Harris, but that will ultimately be determined by the aforementioned factors and his performance at camp later this month. What works in his favor is the versatility to play both inside and outside.
THE INTANGIBLES
Much like Brenton Cox when he spurned long-time favorite Georgia for Ohio State, Mitchell had to decide between a school with whom he had an established relationship and the one who made a late push.
Mitchell admitted Ohio State and Florida State were both on even footing in terms of academic and on-field success. The same thing goes for establishing a life after football. That usually doesn't favor the team who entered the race late, but the Buckeyes somehow came out on top for the second time in as many months.
“Wherever my heart feels is the best place for me,” Mitchell said. “I've been praying to God about it and taking my time.”
Apparently, that place is Columbus.
