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- Thread starter FKAGobucks877
- Start date
Muck
Enjoy Every Sandwich
I think Brandon should get a bump since not only did he have an INT against Iowa...he was within inches of coming out of the game with Three Interceptions!
The one he made....an earlier one when Iowa was running the exact same play...and the sideline grab where his toe was (arbuably) on the line.
Brandon was a serious ball hawk Sat night!
The one he made....an earlier one when Iowa was running the exact same play...and the sideline grab where his toe was (arbuably) on the line.
Brandon was a serious ball hawk Sat night!
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crazybuckfan40
Head Coach
Brandon has really stepped up once the big ten season has started. He is having one of the Tressel type senior seasons.
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DDN
Tom Archdeacon: OSU a great fit for Mitchell
By Tom Archdeacon
Staff Writer
Thursday, October 05, 2006
COLUMBUS ? For Brandon Mitchell, the key has been knowing when to stay home and when to go. When to kick and buck and when to become a Buckeye.
"It's the story I've heard my whole life," the Ohio State safety said with a smile as he recounted how his mom ? who'd given birth to him when she was just 15 ? had decided to leave their Atlanta home for California with a friend when he was 2.
"I was supposed to go with her. She'd packed all my stuff in her bag, but at the airport I pitched a fit. Fell out right on the floor and started crying, 'I'm not getting on that plane. I'm not going. I want to stay right here!' "
His grandfather ? Marquis Mitchell ? was there:
"He just kept saying, 'granddaddy, I don't want to go!' So I said we'd keep him. ... And that's just what we did."
As Brandon now describes the decision: "I wouldn't trade what happened for the world. It turned out great."
Marquis and his wife Ida raised him as their own and ? even when Brandon's mom returned ? they were the ones who guided him through Mays High School, where he was a top student and athlete.
Georgia and Georgia Tech recruited Brandon, Marquis said, and "Northwestern wanted him so bad they told us all kinds of horror stories how he wouldn't play at Ohio State.
"Brandon visited Columbus anyway and then called and says, 'granddaddy, I love it. I'm gonna sign right now.' I told him, 'No, you're coming home first to think.' "
Brandon did, still chose OSU and today again could say: "It turned out great."
After four years of mostly backup work, Mitchell is a starting safety on the No. 1 team in the nation. Going into Saturday's Bowling Green game, he's the Bucks' second leading tackler. Last Saturday against 13th-ranked Iowa, he intercepted a Drew Tate pass and recovered a Hawkeye fumble.
He's just as impressive in the classroom. A three-time Scholar-Athlete, he graduated last year with a political science degree and is well on his way to getting his master's:
'When I left, I told my grandparents, 'No matter what ? whether I get hurt or go to the NFL ? I'll get that degree.' And seeing their faces when I walked across the field to get my diploma was great."
Actually, Marquis and Ida have seen a lot of Brandon.
Retired after 30 years with the Atlanta fire department, Marquis now is a prep football official: "My games usually end by 10:30 on a Friday night and I'll come home, shower and we'll be on the way to Ohio by midnight."
They like what they're seeing now, as does coach Jim Tressel, who said Mitchell's become "a great leader" in the secondary.
For Bowling Green ? an easy Buckeyes' romp most think ? Mitchell is spinning the cautionary tale to younger teammates.
He tells them about being upset by Wisconsin in 2003 and especially how Northwestern stunned the visiting Buckeyes in 2004.
"We hadn't lost there in a long time. The crowd rushed the field and I vividly remember walking off and a fan screaming, 'Over-rated'! as he ran past. I had my head down. It was humiliating.
"The thing I'm stressing to our guys now is don't look ahead. Make yourself stay in the moment."
It's something he's been good at.
Even if it's meant throwing himself on the floor and pitching a fit.
Tom Archdeacon: OSU a great fit for Mitchell
By Tom Archdeacon
Staff Writer
Thursday, October 05, 2006
COLUMBUS ? For Brandon Mitchell, the key has been knowing when to stay home and when to go. When to kick and buck and when to become a Buckeye.
"It's the story I've heard my whole life," the Ohio State safety said with a smile as he recounted how his mom ? who'd given birth to him when she was just 15 ? had decided to leave their Atlanta home for California with a friend when he was 2.
"I was supposed to go with her. She'd packed all my stuff in her bag, but at the airport I pitched a fit. Fell out right on the floor and started crying, 'I'm not getting on that plane. I'm not going. I want to stay right here!' "
His grandfather ? Marquis Mitchell ? was there:
"He just kept saying, 'granddaddy, I don't want to go!' So I said we'd keep him. ... And that's just what we did."
As Brandon now describes the decision: "I wouldn't trade what happened for the world. It turned out great."
Marquis and his wife Ida raised him as their own and ? even when Brandon's mom returned ? they were the ones who guided him through Mays High School, where he was a top student and athlete.
Georgia and Georgia Tech recruited Brandon, Marquis said, and "Northwestern wanted him so bad they told us all kinds of horror stories how he wouldn't play at Ohio State.
"Brandon visited Columbus anyway and then called and says, 'granddaddy, I love it. I'm gonna sign right now.' I told him, 'No, you're coming home first to think.' "
Brandon did, still chose OSU and today again could say: "It turned out great."
After four years of mostly backup work, Mitchell is a starting safety on the No. 1 team in the nation. Going into Saturday's Bowling Green game, he's the Bucks' second leading tackler. Last Saturday against 13th-ranked Iowa, he intercepted a Drew Tate pass and recovered a Hawkeye fumble.
He's just as impressive in the classroom. A three-time Scholar-Athlete, he graduated last year with a political science degree and is well on his way to getting his master's:
'When I left, I told my grandparents, 'No matter what ? whether I get hurt or go to the NFL ? I'll get that degree.' And seeing their faces when I walked across the field to get my diploma was great."
Actually, Marquis and Ida have seen a lot of Brandon.
Retired after 30 years with the Atlanta fire department, Marquis now is a prep football official: "My games usually end by 10:30 on a Friday night and I'll come home, shower and we'll be on the way to Ohio by midnight."
They like what they're seeing now, as does coach Jim Tressel, who said Mitchell's become "a great leader" in the secondary.
For Bowling Green ? an easy Buckeyes' romp most think ? Mitchell is spinning the cautionary tale to younger teammates.
He tells them about being upset by Wisconsin in 2003 and especially how Northwestern stunned the visiting Buckeyes in 2004.
"We hadn't lost there in a long time. The crowd rushed the field and I vividly remember walking off and a fan screaming, 'Over-rated'! as he ran past. I had my head down. It was humiliating.
"The thing I'm stressing to our guys now is don't look ahead. Make yourself stay in the moment."
It's something he's been good at.
Even if it's meant throwing himself on the floor and pitching a fit.
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official.site
Brandon Mitchell, senior safety
On his improvement
"It is all about preparation. I study a lot more film and have a lot more communication within the defense. The coaches have a lot more confidence in me. When I wake up in the morning I think about Bowling Green's spread offense. It is all about preparation."
On his roll
"I am helping prepare the younger guys for the Bowling Green offense. I am the only one who has actually seen this offense. I know how good they are and I have to convey that to the younger guys. It's going to be like a track meet out there with their (Bowling Green's) no huddle offense."
On Bowling Green
"They (Bowling Green) run the ball well. They have good running backs and very mobile quarterbacks. They are more of a rushing team because they get their quarterbacks involved in their rushing game a lot more."
On the thought of an upset
"Any time you make mental mistakes and miss tackles you can lose. We have to stick to the fundamentals of the game and not worry about making big plays. Everyone just has to play their "1/11" of the defense."
On handling adversity
"Coach Tressel has talked a lot about handling adversity; how to handle being on the road, playing tough teams and getting through the toughest part of our schedule. He has also talked a lot about handling success in the coming weeks. We can't just put it in cruise control and not prepare for every team just because some say we are through the toughest part of our schedule."
On interceptions this season
"There are two main reasons why the defense has had such an improvement with interceptions. One reason is the extreme emphasis that the coaches and our players put on making interceptions in the spring and preseason. Coach Tressel told us that we were ranked 100th last year in causing turnovers. As a defense, you never want to be that high in any category. Secondly, the defensive line has been putting a lot of pressure on people. James (Laurinaitis) has said that a lot of his interceptions have come from quarterbacks throwing it right to him because of the continued pressure from the defensive line through four quarters."
On how school experience helps with football
"It is a lot about preparation. I spend countless hours watching films, picking an offense apart. It is just like studying for a math exam. You study weeks in advance, not the day before the test. I watch film all week to prepare for Saturday."
On whether or not this year is meeting his expectations
"It definitely is. It isn't only because we are undefeated or ranked No. 1, it is because of all the fun we've had. This team has so much fun during the games, off the field, goofing around in the locker room. We are focused but Coach Tressel has told us that there is a time for play and a time to be focused and we have been able to do both. I have just had a lot of fun with these guys."
On the defense
"We have definitely exceeded people's expectations in getting turnovers. Nobody expected us to be causing this many turnovers. I think we have not met our own expectations when it comes to stopping the run. The number one goal for any defensive player is stopping the run and we haven't been able to do that as well as we should. Also, making tackles; we have to stop missing tackles.
On preparing for Bowling Green
"We just have to play responsible football. Everyone has to take care of their assignments and do their "1/11" of the job. Bowling Green plays hurry-up football. We just have to stay clam and focused, do our job and play our game."
On the rest of the season
"Everyone keeps saying that the championship is ours to lose, both the Big Ten and the national championship. Great teams go out and take the championship. We have to stay focused and not go into cruise control."
On the mentality of the team
"I think part of our success comes from the competitiveness of this year's team. In the past we have had a lot of guys returning but this year we have a lot of younger guys. Everyone wants to get better every game and play the best they can because they know if they have a bad game they could lose their starting spot to someone else."
Brandon Mitchell, senior safety
On his improvement
"It is all about preparation. I study a lot more film and have a lot more communication within the defense. The coaches have a lot more confidence in me. When I wake up in the morning I think about Bowling Green's spread offense. It is all about preparation."
On his roll
"I am helping prepare the younger guys for the Bowling Green offense. I am the only one who has actually seen this offense. I know how good they are and I have to convey that to the younger guys. It's going to be like a track meet out there with their (Bowling Green's) no huddle offense."
On Bowling Green
"They (Bowling Green) run the ball well. They have good running backs and very mobile quarterbacks. They are more of a rushing team because they get their quarterbacks involved in their rushing game a lot more."
On the thought of an upset
"Any time you make mental mistakes and miss tackles you can lose. We have to stick to the fundamentals of the game and not worry about making big plays. Everyone just has to play their "1/11" of the defense."
On handling adversity
"Coach Tressel has talked a lot about handling adversity; how to handle being on the road, playing tough teams and getting through the toughest part of our schedule. He has also talked a lot about handling success in the coming weeks. We can't just put it in cruise control and not prepare for every team just because some say we are through the toughest part of our schedule."
On interceptions this season
"There are two main reasons why the defense has had such an improvement with interceptions. One reason is the extreme emphasis that the coaches and our players put on making interceptions in the spring and preseason. Coach Tressel told us that we were ranked 100th last year in causing turnovers. As a defense, you never want to be that high in any category. Secondly, the defensive line has been putting a lot of pressure on people. James (Laurinaitis) has said that a lot of his interceptions have come from quarterbacks throwing it right to him because of the continued pressure from the defensive line through four quarters."
On how school experience helps with football
"It is a lot about preparation. I spend countless hours watching films, picking an offense apart. It is just like studying for a math exam. You study weeks in advance, not the day before the test. I watch film all week to prepare for Saturday."
On whether or not this year is meeting his expectations
"It definitely is. It isn't only because we are undefeated or ranked No. 1, it is because of all the fun we've had. This team has so much fun during the games, off the field, goofing around in the locker room. We are focused but Coach Tressel has told us that there is a time for play and a time to be focused and we have been able to do both. I have just had a lot of fun with these guys."
On the defense
"We have definitely exceeded people's expectations in getting turnovers. Nobody expected us to be causing this many turnovers. I think we have not met our own expectations when it comes to stopping the run. The number one goal for any defensive player is stopping the run and we haven't been able to do that as well as we should. Also, making tackles; we have to stop missing tackles.
On preparing for Bowling Green
"We just have to play responsible football. Everyone has to take care of their assignments and do their "1/11" of the job. Bowling Green plays hurry-up football. We just have to stay clam and focused, do our job and play our game."
On the rest of the season
"Everyone keeps saying that the championship is ours to lose, both the Big Ten and the national championship. Great teams go out and take the championship. We have to stay focused and not go into cruise control."
On the mentality of the team
"I think part of our success comes from the competitiveness of this year's team. In the past we have had a lot of guys returning but this year we have a lot of younger guys. Everyone wants to get better every game and play the best they can because they know if they have a bad game they could lose their starting spot to someone else."
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Link
Ohio State's Mitchell finds the right track in life, academics
By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal
(MCT)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Even before he could scrawl his name, Ohio State senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell seemed to have a sixth sense about what was best for him.
That was evident when 3-year-old Brandon threw a fit in Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport and refused to get on a plane to California with his 18-year-old mother.
"I've heard the story several times of me falling on the floor in the airport and saying, `I'm not going to California,' " he said.
"You would have sworn we were taking him to some monster show," said his grandfather Marcus Mitchell, who had driven Linda Barnes and her son to the airport. "So I told his mother, `We'll keep him until you get established, then we'll send him out.' "
That was the day Brandon Mitchell moved in with Marcus and Ida Mitchell and their two children, Melanie and Marcus Jr., and never left.
When Barnes returned from California 2 1/2 years later and eventually started her own construction company to install sewer and drain lines, she bought a house around the corner from the Mitchells.
Brandon seemed to thrive in the stable home of the Mitchells, who emphasized education over athletics. Marcus, 55, spent 30 years in the Atlanta Fire Department before retiring as a chief who trained the airport squad. Ida owns her own bridal and formal wear shop in their neighborhood of Ben Hill in southwest Atlanta, one of the reasons now sharp-dressing Brandon learned to iron creases into his pants when he was 5. Brandon's parents, Barnes and Ralph Mitchell, never married but remain good friends and are involved in their son's life.
The fruit of Marcus and Ida Mitchell's upbringing has been evident during Brandon's time at Ohio State.
Mitchell earned his degree in political science in the spring of 2005 and is 20 credits shy of his master's in communications. He plans to enter law school.
Athletically, things have been tougher. Going into this season, Mitchell had started eight games over three seasons for the Buckeyes, primarily at nickel back or free safety, filling in for Nate Salley. But OSU lost all four starters in the secondary from the 2005 team, and this fall, Mitchell stepped into the spot previously held by Donte Whitner.
Last Saturday at Iowa, Mitchell had two of top-ranked and undefeated Ohio State's four turnovers in a 38-17 victory. His second-quarter interception and 13-yard return set up a touchdown, and his fourth-quarter fumble recovery stopped a drive at the OSU 47. Going into Saturday's home game against Bowling Green, Mitchell ranks second on the team in tackles with 30.
"Brandon Mitchell has always had a great handle on what we would like to do," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "Sometimes he didn't have as many opportunities to do it because we had some pretty good safeties. Now he's had a chance to prove he can do it day after day. I've been pleased, not just with his physical performance, but I think he's done a good leadership job."
That would not surprise Marcus Mitchell. He said Brandon finished No. 2 in the voting for "Mr. Mays" as the most popular boy at Mays High School and served as the student representative at board of education meetings. At Ohio State, he was one of two students on the search committee to select Athletic Director Gene Smith. Brandon said he held his own sitting across from Archie Griffin and Tammy Longaberger, CEO of the basket-making company.
"I had a lot of input. I was given ample opportunity to speak my opinion," Mitchell said.
"If he doesn't make it at the next level of football, he talks enough that he can be a lawyer," Marcus Mitchell said. "He can talk on either side of an issue. I asked him, `Are you going to run for president?' and he said no."
The Mitchells steered Brandon into athletics. Brandon said his father, Ralph, played college football at Norfolk State, and his uncle Marcus Jr., whom he considers a brother, played center at Arizona Western Community College and at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina.
Brandon also played baseball and ran track. But Marcus Mitchell was also a high school football official and recognized that was Brandon's best sport.
"I had Friday night games and his were on Saturday so I'd sit in the stands and write down what he did good and what he did wrong," Marcus Mitchell said. "My wife went to all the games. She used to run up and down the sideline screaming and hollering. She got over that as he got faster and faster."
Marcus Mitchell said if the NFL has no place for Brandon, he won't be disappointed heading to law school.
"Brandon understands life," the elder Mitchell said. "You take what you get and make the most of it."
BUCKEYES . . .
Sophomore linebacker James Laurinaitis, tied for sixth in the nation with four interceptions, has been added to the Butkus Award watch list. The winner will be announced Dec. 9. . . . OSU's Oct. 14 game at Michigan State will start at 3:30 p.m. . . . ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted in a Wednesday Internet chat that quarterback Troy Smith will be a second- or third-round draft pick. Defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock is No. 9 on Kiper's Big Board of 25 seniors.
Ohio State's Mitchell finds the right track in life, academics
By Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal
(MCT)
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Even before he could scrawl his name, Ohio State senior strong safety Brandon Mitchell seemed to have a sixth sense about what was best for him.
That was evident when 3-year-old Brandon threw a fit in Atlanta's Hartsfield International Airport and refused to get on a plane to California with his 18-year-old mother.
"I've heard the story several times of me falling on the floor in the airport and saying, `I'm not going to California,' " he said.
"You would have sworn we were taking him to some monster show," said his grandfather Marcus Mitchell, who had driven Linda Barnes and her son to the airport. "So I told his mother, `We'll keep him until you get established, then we'll send him out.' "
That was the day Brandon Mitchell moved in with Marcus and Ida Mitchell and their two children, Melanie and Marcus Jr., and never left.
When Barnes returned from California 2 1/2 years later and eventually started her own construction company to install sewer and drain lines, she bought a house around the corner from the Mitchells.
Brandon seemed to thrive in the stable home of the Mitchells, who emphasized education over athletics. Marcus, 55, spent 30 years in the Atlanta Fire Department before retiring as a chief who trained the airport squad. Ida owns her own bridal and formal wear shop in their neighborhood of Ben Hill in southwest Atlanta, one of the reasons now sharp-dressing Brandon learned to iron creases into his pants when he was 5. Brandon's parents, Barnes and Ralph Mitchell, never married but remain good friends and are involved in their son's life.
The fruit of Marcus and Ida Mitchell's upbringing has been evident during Brandon's time at Ohio State.
Mitchell earned his degree in political science in the spring of 2005 and is 20 credits shy of his master's in communications. He plans to enter law school.
Athletically, things have been tougher. Going into this season, Mitchell had started eight games over three seasons for the Buckeyes, primarily at nickel back or free safety, filling in for Nate Salley. But OSU lost all four starters in the secondary from the 2005 team, and this fall, Mitchell stepped into the spot previously held by Donte Whitner.
Last Saturday at Iowa, Mitchell had two of top-ranked and undefeated Ohio State's four turnovers in a 38-17 victory. His second-quarter interception and 13-yard return set up a touchdown, and his fourth-quarter fumble recovery stopped a drive at the OSU 47. Going into Saturday's home game against Bowling Green, Mitchell ranks second on the team in tackles with 30.
"Brandon Mitchell has always had a great handle on what we would like to do," OSU coach Jim Tressel said. "Sometimes he didn't have as many opportunities to do it because we had some pretty good safeties. Now he's had a chance to prove he can do it day after day. I've been pleased, not just with his physical performance, but I think he's done a good leadership job."
That would not surprise Marcus Mitchell. He said Brandon finished No. 2 in the voting for "Mr. Mays" as the most popular boy at Mays High School and served as the student representative at board of education meetings. At Ohio State, he was one of two students on the search committee to select Athletic Director Gene Smith. Brandon said he held his own sitting across from Archie Griffin and Tammy Longaberger, CEO of the basket-making company.
"I had a lot of input. I was given ample opportunity to speak my opinion," Mitchell said.
"If he doesn't make it at the next level of football, he talks enough that he can be a lawyer," Marcus Mitchell said. "He can talk on either side of an issue. I asked him, `Are you going to run for president?' and he said no."
The Mitchells steered Brandon into athletics. Brandon said his father, Ralph, played college football at Norfolk State, and his uncle Marcus Jr., whom he considers a brother, played center at Arizona Western Community College and at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina.
Brandon also played baseball and ran track. But Marcus Mitchell was also a high school football official and recognized that was Brandon's best sport.
"I had Friday night games and his were on Saturday so I'd sit in the stands and write down what he did good and what he did wrong," Marcus Mitchell said. "My wife went to all the games. She used to run up and down the sideline screaming and hollering. She got over that as he got faster and faster."
Marcus Mitchell said if the NFL has no place for Brandon, he won't be disappointed heading to law school.
"Brandon understands life," the elder Mitchell said. "You take what you get and make the most of it."
BUCKEYES . . .
Sophomore linebacker James Laurinaitis, tied for sixth in the nation with four interceptions, has been added to the Butkus Award watch list. The winner will be announced Dec. 9. . . . OSU's Oct. 14 game at Michigan State will start at 3:30 p.m. . . . ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicted in a Wednesday Internet chat that quarterback Troy Smith will be a second- or third-round draft pick. Defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock is No. 9 on Kiper's Big Board of 25 seniors.
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Dispatch
Patience, focus pay dividends for safety
Mitchell has earned respect of his teammates
Friday, October 06, 2006
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Brandon Mitchell?s life seems to be a constant whirl of past, present and future.
Currently, he?s the playmaking strong safety for top-ranked Ohio State. He?s also a player who three years ago seemed to have a starting job and then lost it, but who continued to pay his dues, bide his time and finally beat back all comers for the right to call the position his own for his senior season. But then, it?s not really his senior season. It?s just his last as a collegian. Even last year he was playing as a graduate, having earned his politicalscience degree in the winter quarter of 2005, or in less than four school years.
He already was so respected on campus for his academic pursuits and willingness to state his mind that he was one of two studentathletes named to the committee that identified Gene Smith as athletic director in the spring of 2005. Then this week before practice he had a heartto-heart talk with prot?g? Anderson Russell, a fellow safety whose season ended abruptly because of a knee injury suffered Saturday at Iowa.
"He?s over there giving him words of encouragement," tight end Rory Nicol said. "That?s the kind of leadership role that B-Mitch has accepted."
For Mitchell, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Anderson and I are both from Georgia, and I?ve seen myself as sort of a mentor to him since he got here last year," Mitchell said. "I just want him to know he?ll come through this and that meanwhile he can still contribute to this team."
Mitchell?s actions didn?t surprise his teammates.
"B-Mitch is just a good guy," linebacker Marcus Freeman said. "He?s not going to be a guy to talk about his teammates behind their back. He?s not going to be a guy who is causing trouble.
"You know with B-Mitch you?re going to have a good person, something that coach (Jim) Tressel preaches. He wants you to be good people off the field, and that?s something you?ve got with Brandon Mitchell."
On the field, Mitchell loves to lower the boom. Off the field, he loves a lively debate. And in the classroom, well, with one degree in hand, he?s going after another, in communications.
"My parents have told me that now, having your bachelor?s degree is almost like having your high school diploma," Mitchell said. "So any time you are able to get another degree, I think it always helps."
Receiver Anthony Gonzalez said he long has been impressed by Mitchell?s approach to life.
"Brandon is the type of guy who just takes care of his business, whether that is in the classroom, on the football field or in his personal life," Gonzalez said. "He is a very good person, and the type of guy that makes playing at Ohio State meaningful and worthwhile."
Because?
"I feel like he has taken full advantage of the opportunities that have been given him, and you can?t always say that (about) everyone," Gonzalez said. "And he understands the importance of everything, really. He?s just a very mature person."
A great example of Mitchell seizing on an opportunity is happening at the moment, Tressel said. Mitchell had to do more watching than playing the past couple of years, especially last season playing behind Nate Salley and Donte Whitner.
"I think he has always had a handle on what to do, now he?s had a chance to prove that he can do it day after day," Tressel said. "And I?ve been pleased, not just with his physical performance, but I think he?s done an excellent job making sure that the people around him who are new are comfortable. He?s done a good leadership job."
Mitchell said it?s because he has put his already-earned degree to good use.
"A lot of guys promise their parents, and I promised my grandparents I would get a degree when I came here," Mitchell said. "Already having it takes a lot of pressure off in that, yeah, I still have to focus on school, but I can focus on football just as much."
Patience, focus pay dividends for safety
Mitchell has earned respect of his teammates
Friday, October 06, 2006
Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Brandon Mitchell?s life seems to be a constant whirl of past, present and future.
Currently, he?s the playmaking strong safety for top-ranked Ohio State. He?s also a player who three years ago seemed to have a starting job and then lost it, but who continued to pay his dues, bide his time and finally beat back all comers for the right to call the position his own for his senior season. But then, it?s not really his senior season. It?s just his last as a collegian. Even last year he was playing as a graduate, having earned his politicalscience degree in the winter quarter of 2005, or in less than four school years.
He already was so respected on campus for his academic pursuits and willingness to state his mind that he was one of two studentathletes named to the committee that identified Gene Smith as athletic director in the spring of 2005. Then this week before practice he had a heartto-heart talk with prot?g? Anderson Russell, a fellow safety whose season ended abruptly because of a knee injury suffered Saturday at Iowa.
"He?s over there giving him words of encouragement," tight end Rory Nicol said. "That?s the kind of leadership role that B-Mitch has accepted."
For Mitchell, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
"Anderson and I are both from Georgia, and I?ve seen myself as sort of a mentor to him since he got here last year," Mitchell said. "I just want him to know he?ll come through this and that meanwhile he can still contribute to this team."
Mitchell?s actions didn?t surprise his teammates.
"B-Mitch is just a good guy," linebacker Marcus Freeman said. "He?s not going to be a guy to talk about his teammates behind their back. He?s not going to be a guy who is causing trouble.
"You know with B-Mitch you?re going to have a good person, something that coach (Jim) Tressel preaches. He wants you to be good people off the field, and that?s something you?ve got with Brandon Mitchell."
On the field, Mitchell loves to lower the boom. Off the field, he loves a lively debate. And in the classroom, well, with one degree in hand, he?s going after another, in communications.
"My parents have told me that now, having your bachelor?s degree is almost like having your high school diploma," Mitchell said. "So any time you are able to get another degree, I think it always helps."
Receiver Anthony Gonzalez said he long has been impressed by Mitchell?s approach to life.
"Brandon is the type of guy who just takes care of his business, whether that is in the classroom, on the football field or in his personal life," Gonzalez said. "He is a very good person, and the type of guy that makes playing at Ohio State meaningful and worthwhile."
Because?
"I feel like he has taken full advantage of the opportunities that have been given him, and you can?t always say that (about) everyone," Gonzalez said. "And he understands the importance of everything, really. He?s just a very mature person."
A great example of Mitchell seizing on an opportunity is happening at the moment, Tressel said. Mitchell had to do more watching than playing the past couple of years, especially last season playing behind Nate Salley and Donte Whitner.
"I think he has always had a handle on what to do, now he?s had a chance to prove that he can do it day after day," Tressel said. "And I?ve been pleased, not just with his physical performance, but I think he?s done an excellent job making sure that the people around him who are new are comfortable. He?s done a good leadership job."
Mitchell said it?s because he has put his already-earned degree to good use.
"A lot of guys promise their parents, and I promised my grandparents I would get a degree when I came here," Mitchell said. "Already having it takes a lot of pressure off in that, yeah, I still have to focus on school, but I can focus on football just as much."
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bkochmc
Assistant Coach
jwinslow;628573; said:Buckeye Picture Archive (AP)
Mitchell flattens Mr. Kenneth Brantley the 2nd... (13:48 left in 3rd qtr)
I've met Kenneth Brantley before... very nice guy. I'm glad to see he had a few catches but not a lot of success against the Bucks.
And to keep this thread on-topic, Mitchell has been a nice leader for the young (and now experienced) secondary this year... chalk it up to another great senior year by a player to buys into Tressel's coaching!
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official.site
Brandon Mitchell, senior free safety
On Indiana beating Iowa
"Anytime someone beats a good opponent, they get revved up for the next game. Iowa is a great team. If they (Indiana) can beat Iowa, they can beat us. No matter what the score is, they are going to keep playing."
On what the defense needs to improve
"Our defense has done a good job on third downs in the red zone. As a whole, we know we haven't done a good job to stop the run. We just have to get better at holding the rushing. We are proud that we have not given up many points, yet we know Coach (Tressel) wants us to stop the run."
On holding the No. 1 spot
"We know we are No. 1 going in to a game and we prepare knowing we are a No. 1 team. That definitely puts an added emphasis on our game, because we have a lot at stake to lose. Coach Tressel wants us to get better every day. For every game, we go out playing for a championship, because if we lose, we are out of it."
On playing for the No. 1 team in the nation as a senior
"We understand it is our responsibility to go out and play hard every game. We owe it to the fans, our team and every guy in the locker room. For us seniors, it helps that we have been with a team that has seen a national championship. We know what the guys in '02 did to keep us focused. In turn, we can tell that to our young guys."
On the cohesion of the team
"The guys this year are really tight. As far as being a close-knit family, we are like the '02 team in that respect."
On Head Coach Jim Tressel
"Tress does a good job of teaching us. He teaches us how to be great men. We do a lot of community service and I appreciate it. Everyone who knows this program knows that Coach has a sound impact on his team. He is always telling us to remember who we are."
Brandon Mitchell, senior free safety
On Indiana beating Iowa
"Anytime someone beats a good opponent, they get revved up for the next game. Iowa is a great team. If they (Indiana) can beat Iowa, they can beat us. No matter what the score is, they are going to keep playing."
On what the defense needs to improve
"Our defense has done a good job on third downs in the red zone. As a whole, we know we haven't done a good job to stop the run. We just have to get better at holding the rushing. We are proud that we have not given up many points, yet we know Coach (Tressel) wants us to stop the run."
On holding the No. 1 spot
"We know we are No. 1 going in to a game and we prepare knowing we are a No. 1 team. That definitely puts an added emphasis on our game, because we have a lot at stake to lose. Coach Tressel wants us to get better every day. For every game, we go out playing for a championship, because if we lose, we are out of it."
On playing for the No. 1 team in the nation as a senior
"We understand it is our responsibility to go out and play hard every game. We owe it to the fans, our team and every guy in the locker room. For us seniors, it helps that we have been with a team that has seen a national championship. We know what the guys in '02 did to keep us focused. In turn, we can tell that to our young guys."
On the cohesion of the team
"The guys this year are really tight. As far as being a close-knit family, we are like the '02 team in that respect."
On Head Coach Jim Tressel
"Tress does a good job of teaching us. He teaches us how to be great men. We do a lot of community service and I appreciate it. Everyone who knows this program knows that Coach has a sound impact on his team. He is always telling us to remember who we are."
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I have to admit that at the start of the year I had my doubts as far as Mitchell and the whole DB was concerned. Brandon had been around for years but didnt really get to play that much as a starter.
I have to say that I'm very happy and satisfied with the way he has played AND been a leader.
Very nice job !!! :osu:
I have to say that I'm very happy and satisfied with the way he has played AND been a leader.
Very nice job !!! :osu:
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