Interview: 3-Star 2020 Army LB/DE Commit Jacob Mitchell Talks Football and Huskies Playoffs
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every athlete worth their blood, sweat, and tears wants to challenge their abilities ready to fight to prove they belong. After a standout junior season with Corona High School, a year that included 94 tackles, 62 solo, six tackles for a loss, two sacks, four quarterback hurries, a pick, a fumble recovery, four forced fumbles, and two blocked field goals, linebacker Jacob Mitchell challenged himself transferring to Centennial High School. The challenge has been met playing for one of the nation’s best programs while taking on a national schedule in a different role and playing all season through a banged-up ankle. The 6-4, 225-pound, end has persevered through trials and tribulations of the season coming up with 31 stops, two tackles for a loss, five sacks, and two quarterback hurries in stats posted through eight games.
With offers on the table from Army, Air Force, and Columbia, the three-star Class of 2020 recruit committed to West Point on Nov. 10. Before taking that next demanding challenge in college, Mitchell’s Huskies squad (9-2) still has unfinished business on the field. His No. 9 nationally ranked team (MaxPreps) is hosting St. John Bosco (10-1), the No. 3 ranked team, in the semifinal round of California’s Southern Section Playoffs. For an overview on his season, commitment to Army, and with a preview of the playoff game against the Braves, I sat down for a quick one-on-one with Mitchell.
Interview
Jacob, Centennial’s defense is on the field a lot thanks to the quick-strike Huskies’ offense. How has that side of the ball played throughout the season?
“Our defense has been solid. We have been doing better recently, especially against top teams. We have a lot of depth on defense and at end.”
What is your role within the base scheme?
“I am our defensive end. When we go into our big package, I take on double-teams and bring pressure in the middle. Against the pass, I am an edge rusher finding a way around the tackle.”
How has your game progressed throughout the year?
“Early on I was having trouble against high quality teams after coming in from Corona. I had not played against teams like Mater Dei and Cathedral. As the season has gone on, my game has kept improving; my pass rush and my run fits have improved a lot. I have learned different ways to do everything. This season has been a new experience and change.”
Of all the top teams you guys have played this season, which has been your best game?
“I’d say Liberty (NV) or Long Beach Poly (CA). I was healthy in both of those games and getting into the flow of things. I was playing without thinking. Everything was flowing, everything was all natural.”
How did those games top the list?
“I was getting off the ball really well and that was helping with the pass rush and my pursuit of the ball as well. My mobility was a lot better in those games.”
You have talked of some challenges already, as all athlete go through them in their given sport. What are some of the other challenges you have been through this season that have made you a better player?
“Playing through a sprained ankle, but figuring out how to get past being stuck against a top offensive lineman has been a challenge that has made me better. Finding different ways to keep improving and get past tackles without letting up. You never know how you can affect the outcome of the game if you keep giving it your all.”
On Nov. 10 you committed to Army. How did West Point become your ideal school?
“When Army offered, my other offer was Air Force. When I visited Army, they blew away all my expectations. I was not expecting to commit to Army, but when I got there seeing the family vibe they have, I knew that is what I wanted.”
When did you take your official visit to Army?
“Two weeks ago.”
At which position do they see you fitting into their scheme?
“At either outside linebacker or on the defensive line depending on my weight.”
With an offer from Army, I am guessing you have fantastic grades. What is your cumulative GPA?
“4.03.”
What did you score on the ACT and/or SAT?
“On the SAT, I scored a 1340.”
Nice work.
“Thanks.”
Back to football. The team put up an impressive 56-0 win over JSerra last week to open the playoffs. This week, you guys get another Trinity League team, St. John Bosco, the No. 3 ranked team in the country. What kind of game are you personally expecting against the Braves’ linemen?
“They look really big on film and they have a high-quality line. If we all play well, we can make plays against them. We have to play on each snap and do what we do.”
You guys opened the season against a similar type of foe in No. 1 Mater Dei. The outcome may not have been what was desired, but there was a lot to learn from that game. How will the opening game of the season help you guys push through to the next round of the playoffs come Friday?
“Having played Mater Dei helps knowing what to expect; they are a similar caliber team. We had a lot of young guys starting at the beginning of the season who are not playing really well. We all know what to expect against Bosco.”
Jacob, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against the Braves.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mitchell family; Jacob Mitchell’s Army commitment