Kansas Football: Interview with Wichita East Rising Dual-Threat DaeOnte Mitchell
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
DaeOnte Mitchell burst onto the scene for the Aces of Wichita East High School in 2020 throwing for 875 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 600 and nine more scores in five games before an injury. Behind the play of Mitchell, the Aces went 4-1 and finished 9-2 overall for their first winning season in 32 years.
The 6’2″, 190-pound, playmaker has the ability to impact games in both the running and passing attack while possessing good footwork, athleticism, and a strong and accurate arm. The work on the field for this Class of 2024 recruit is already garnering interest from colleges.
It will be exciting to watch Mitchell make plays for Wichita East in the years to come.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with DaeOnte to talk about his breakout freshman season and his preparations for his sophomore season.
Interview
DaeOnte, how would you grade your individual performance during your freshman season?
I think I had a great year for it just being my first year playing high school football. To start as a freshman was tough but very cool at the same time. I couldn’t have done half of what I did without my teammates, we flowed as a unit.
What would you say was your best game and why?
My best game stat-wise was against South High. I had four rushing touchdowns at halftime and three passing touchdowns at the end of the game. But my best game was against Wichita Heights. After being benched for a series, because I was playing terrible and my team was trailing the entire game, I came back out the next series and led a game-winning drive with a pass on the run late in the fourth quarter. Everyone said my brother Caqouy Patterson and I looked like Mahomes and Tyreek Hill.
What was your injury and how did it take place?
I sprained my lower back and bruised the discs as well. I was scrambling outside the pocket trying to make a play and got hit from the front up top and from behind down low.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My ability to extend a play. I’m very smart with the football, so if my first option isn’t there I look to my second and third read or just make a play like my coach always tells me.
What was your most memorable moment in 2020?
In the first play of the season, I ran for a 75-yard touchdown.
What do you like most about playing quarterback?
My uncle helped groom me to play quarterback and I like throwing touchdown passes.
What kind of offense does Wichita East run?
A Run and Gun Spread.
How do your skills fit into this offense?
My skills fit perfectly I think it allows me to show my IQ by finding the holes in the defense, getting the ball to the open receiver, and using my legs to extend plays when need be.
Would you consider yourself a pro-style or dual-threat quarterback?
Definitely a dual-threat.
Is there an NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Patrick Mahomes is my favorite quarterback, however I’m mobile like Lamar Jackson.
What did it mean to you to start as a freshman?
It was everything to me just for the upperclassmen to believe in me from training camp to the actual games. They let me know they trusted me and to do something that, I don’t think it ever happened before which is cool.
Who is your biggest role model?
My mom, because she’s a single mother of three children who works hard to give us everything we need.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
English, because I’m good at it.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
I don’t have any offers, however I’m receiving interest from several Division I schools and HBCU’s. They’ve told me they love my film and how I play the game so young.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Philippians 4:13.
What are your goals for the offseason?
Right now I’m 90 percent healthy so I’m trying to get back to 100 percent. I’m also working out, watching film, and preparing for the camps and combines coming up.
Thank you for your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: The Wichita Eagle; Wichita East QB DaeOnte Mitchell