Interview: 2019 California ATH Isiaha Mitchell Plays the Game with Heart and Determination

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are very few high school players like Isiaha Mitchell out there. During his junior season, the 5-8, 195-pound, athlete took the field for Rialto High School playing a new position at middle linebacker. The season was successful producing a stat line of 44 tackles, five tackles for a loss, two sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery while pulling in one pass for a touchdown. When the 2018 season kicks off, Mitchell will be suiting up for another California team, San Gorgonio High School, but with his athleticism used all over the field at various positions, and with college coaches paying attention. So far, Mitchell has offers from Navy, Cal-Poly, and Army with other interest building.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s hard-nosed Class of 2019 talents to learn more about his game and his offseason workouts.

Interview

Isiaha, you are a unique middle linebacker in more ways than one. Have you grown up playing linebacker or have you played multiple positions throughout your high school career?

“Growing up, I was always the athlete. I have always played multiple positions. At Rialto, I stuck with middle linebacker. They used me on both sides of the ball; I had two carries for 12 yards and a receiving touchdown last year. But, mainly I was used at linebacker. In 2017, that was my first time playing middle linebacker.”

How did your overall skillset improve last season at linebacker?

“It was a hard transition for me having played more offense the year before. My coaches wanted to put me somewhere I could be productive. Being an athlete, it was not too bad of a move. I handled it. I received good coaching and got first team All-League and second team All-CIF.”

Impressive. Since you were playing a new position, this may cover a lot of ground, but what was a weakness of your game to start the 2017 season but by the end had become a strength?

“My weakness was my first step and reading the backfield. I played defensive back-safety my freshman year. I was used to dropping back first, but taking that false step slowed me down at linebacker. As the season went on, I learned and progressed. My ability to read the run got better. I started to master it.”

Which areas of your game have you been working on this offseason?

“This offseason, at San Gorgonio I will be playing tight end, running back, and they are using me on defense. I’ve been working on my route running, the fundamentals of the game, and all the little things needed being an offensive player.”

How have spring and summer practices gone?

“They are going well. I like the environment, I like the coaching staff, I like what we are learning, and I like what we are doing in the weight room. The coaches are doing everything they can to prepare us for the season.”

How is the team looking?

“We are looking pretty good. We have a lot of athletes. We have some of the fastest guys in the area on the team. We looking to make a run to CIF again this year.”

You covered a couple of spots earlier, but to line them all up; based on practices thus far, where all will you line up on the field in 2018?

“I am playing tight end, running back, linebacker, I’ll be at nose guard, and defensive end.”

Did you go to any camps this offseason?

“Yes. I went to a Rivals camp and played in a lot of 7v7 tournaments.”

How did the Rivals camp go?

“It was pretty good. I was invited to their three-stripe camp, but I couldn’t go because of the distance.”

Going to recruiting, which schools have offered you so far?

“Navy, Army, and Cal-Poly.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

The schools that are showing interest are Arizona State – I have talked to Herm Edwards, Millsap, Mt. Sac, and Amhurst. I really like UAB (Alabama-Birmingham). They are my home school in my home state.”

Back to football. During a game, do you talk to the opposition?

“No. Being a linebacker, you are the captain of the defense. I did all my talking to the linemen working on getting everyone in position and calling out plays. I believe in good sportsmanship. I let my actions do the talking.”

Is there a game on the schedule you are already hyped to play?

“Rialto is one. Yucaipa – that’s the game everyone is looking forward to this year. That will be one of the biggest games on your schedule. I feel very confident that we will handle our business against them this year.”

What goals have you set for yourself for your senior year?

“I want to be named All-League first team, first team All-CIF, improve my stats, and get better overall. I know I will be very productive on the field this year.”

Isiaha, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Mitchell family; Isiaha Mitchell