Jacksonville (FL) First Coast Defensive Lineman Derrick Mitchell commits to Florida State
by FSUSOM on Feb 23, 2010 9:49 PM EST
in FSU Football Recruiting
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| DT Derrick Mitchell |
Derrick Mitchell, a defensive tackle from Jacksonville's First Coast High School has committed to Florida State, Ira Schoeffel confirmed via twitter. Apologies for not getting this up sooner, but we were unable to reach two of our primary sources. Mitchell is the eighth commitment for the 'Noles, joining First Coast RB Eric Beverly, Nova DT Nile Lawrence, Navarre OL Sterling Lovelady, Treasure Coast DBs Lamarcus Brutus and Keelin Smith, Deland OL Trey Pettis, and Ridge ATH Karlos Williams.
Vitals:
| Height | Weight | Times | Academics | Other Offers | Accolades |
| 6'5" | 285 lbs |
5.1 40-yard 32" Vertical |
Unknown | Alabama, Clemson, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, South Carolina | ESPNU 150 Watch List |
Recruitment:
Not a shocking commitment by any means. Mitchell goes to what is considered an FSU feeder school in First Coast. The 'Noles offered fairly early. Mitchell visited for the February 20th Junior Day and loved his visit. First Coast has several other good underclassmen as well, including WR Chris Black.
TN's Thoughts:
He's a big, strong kid that will most likely be a defensive tackle at FSU. He's considered a very good athlete for his size. Mitchell is very raw right now and in the limited film we've seen, plays too high. FSU will need to coach him up, something DT Coach Odell Haggins has always done well. Due to his great length, he's still growing into his body and like most defensive linemen, he might not be an immediate contributor. Mitchell also has a 1993 birthdate, making him one of the youngest kids in FSU's recruiting class.
I'd expect him to get above 300 pounds by his 2nd season at FSU. He reminds me a bit of a skinnier version of former Tennessee DT John Henderson (Jacksonville Jaguars). In an odd comparison, his length reminds me of former Marlins 1B (current Cub) Derrick Lee.
From the recent UA combine:
The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder was impressive during one-on-one drills. He showed excellent footwork and used his hands well to shed potential blockers making it tough on offensive linemen throughout the day.
"I think I've got really good speed," he said. "I mean, I weigh 285 pounds, but I don't look it and I don't feel it."
This fall, Mitchell will play end for First Coast, but he potentially projects as big, athletic interior defensive tackle in college. Alabama recently joined a host of schools that have offered early. Others include Florida State (where Mitchell's father played basketball), Clemson, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida International, among others.
As far as the defensive tackle position goes, FSU might take one more.
Sort of narrow hipped, but he can easily add 10-15 lbs of good weight in his lower body. Uses his long arms to stalemate blockers and does a pretty good job of shedding. Can get some quick penetration, but must get better at attacking half-a-man and quickly getting into the gap. Needs to learn how to get skinny, slip past blockers and split double teams. When he stays low he can dominate, but when he gets high he exposes his long torso and the blocker can get him. That's common for tall defensive tackles. Once in the backfield his long arms engulf the running back and while he sometimes tackles high, he does stay square and make the play. Bats down a lot of passes with his 6'6" frame and tremendously long arms. Tends to rely a little much on his raw strength and I would like to see him generate more power from his lower body coming out of his stance. Pretty good at finding the ballcarrier. Good GPA and is likely already fully qualified. Dad played hoops for FSU in the late 80s. 6th player from First Coast HS for FSU. Film | Photo | Photo
Derrick Mitchell - First Coast High School - #90 (via dillhyonj)
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I was reading the Nile thread and someone said Mitchell committed and I decided
to see if it was on the front page and, what do you know, here it is. This is a good night.
2010 AD = 1 AB for FSU
With 7 or 8 commits already on the 150 Watchlist
FSU is in pretty deep water.
by Bud Elliott on Feb 23, 2010 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
Nile is the only commit not on the ESPN150, correct?
by TheNole9Yards on Feb 23, 2010 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
Even better.
So they have 7 ESPN 150 commits, and an 8th that Trickett clearly believes in. Yeah, I’d say this team is doing just fine for 2011.
by TheNole9Yards on Feb 23, 2010 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
I think are more than 150 on the "watch list".
I wouldn’t expect them all on it in the final rankings. But it’s definitely a plus they’re on the preseason list.
"Trick is right."
great time to be a Nole!!!
We are getting these verbals and the coaches havent even won a single game yet… I love this… absolutely love this
everytime
i come on here which can be multiple times a day it seems i find a new present! since jimbo took over officially it has been fun to watch the recruiting take off!! Welcome Mr Mitchell. its great to be a Seminole Fear the Spear!!!!!!!!!!
Great pickup!
It almost seems as though NSD is less than a week away with all the good commitment news these past few days/weeks. Can’t wait til the real season starts, but until then at least we still got spring ball and those Seminole “gridiron greats” on SunSports
by ApalachNole on Feb 23, 2010 10:16 PM EST via mobile reply actions
FSU's 2010 season
could be the recruiting tool that helps us land some big fish closer to 2011 NSD. Beating Miami and/or Florida have enormous potential to sell the program
Nothing can stop us....
Jimbo has been head coach only for 6 weeks
and yet we can already say that he and the staff he’s assembled recruit at an elite level. Not sure just how good a product we’ll have on the field in 2-3 years, but you have to believe that this will be a 1-2 loss team, year in and out, as long as he’s in charge.
Great stuff
It’s very nice to see FSU landing the kids we are supposed to land early. Also VERY good to see two DT’s on board early.
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:20 PM EST reply actions
Yes it is.
I’m pretty sure its correlated with Texas’ success
You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.
Looks like kids better committ fast as this class might get full soon. Hope we get Ray drew as well.
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 10:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions
And our chances are pretty good right?
You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.
I think we're in the top group
which is all we can ask for right now.
by Bud Elliott on Feb 23, 2010 10:32 PM EST up reply actions
Thats fine with me.
I have a lot of confidence in this coaching staff.
You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.
I hope we get “locks” in early so coaches focus on the fringe kids who are top recruits.
I guess still the underlying truth is we have to win games in the regular season coz that is the biggest pitch any coaching staff can make!
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 10:35 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Totally agree
Get the locks to be Junior Recruiting Coordinators- imagine what Joyner and Luc could have done with just under a full year to recruit.
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Yep!
I guess having these top kids early helps a ton in that regards coz they want to play with the best players and hence go out and recruit others at combines and all star games.
Are you guys going to come up with a list of 2011 recruits that mite visit for the spring game?
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 10:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Are you guys going to come up with a list of 2011 recruits that mite visit for the spring game?
We’ll do the best we can. Since we all work, it won’t be as good as someone doing this full time.
by Bud Elliott on Feb 23, 2010 10:44 PM EST up reply actions
You are better than lot of folks doing this for a living!
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 11:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Best site
I don’t go anywhere else…. Well, maybe sometimes!
by NoleySmokes on Feb 26, 2010 5:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Here
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/hssports/2010/02/local-stars-shine-at-under-armour-combine.html
Scroll to the video at the bottom/
by Bud Elliott on Feb 23, 2010 10:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm hoping he can be our answer to Easley
Wish there was more tape of him at DT
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 23, 2010 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
Woah...
That is some scary sheesh, guys. The more I see of this kid, the more pumped I am.
by Randall W. Spetman on Feb 24, 2010 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
I love Nile. Love him.
He may be to me what Tyler Hunter is to you-know-who.
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
And I ain't smokin!
Just had to ask, his recruiting tape is an absolute horror show
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 23, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
SEC
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:38 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like TN might have a less hectic NSD in 2011
This class is shaping up already! Welcome aboard, Derrick!
DANG
I can’t wait for the season to start, so we can see this change on the field. Is LeMay one of our top targets for 2011?
"FEAR is just the Opening ACT!!!" Coach Coley
Yep
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:46 PM EST up reply actions
Bridgewater
Have read some news about bridgewater possibly playing receiver at the next level? Do you know which position are we recruiting him at? (assuming we have an offer out)
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 10:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions
We are likely after him as a WR
He’ll go to Miami though, unless Shannon royally F’s up
We were all created to be Seminoles. This is why we bleed garnet and piss gold.
by NoleThruandThru on Feb 23, 2010 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
is this a good thing?
I feel like every day i look on this website and there is a new commitment. Is this like a horse race where coming out to the front too early may come back to hurt us later? Are any of these kids actually gonna stay true to these commitments come next february? I dont know how i feel about this. Please comment
Of course it's a good thing
Speak softly, and carry a big Spear
by tdchrisdavis on Feb 23, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
I think it's a good thing
Even IF a couple guys rethink things, we’re getting some good press out of these commitments. This shows that people are excited about FSU again. Plus, if we do notch a couple more wins this year – and hopefully reach the ACC CG – I think most of this momentum will carry over through NSD. (I know – progress isn’t measured in Ws, but those Ws help perception!)
Locking up very good players from Florida? Yes it is a very good thing.
365 days, until I change my ways.
Works for UT and yes that is 14 for 2011 thus far
David Ash QB 6-4 195 4.6 - Belton, TX
Joe Bergeron RB 6-0 235 4.6 - Mesquite, TX
Josh Cochran OL 6-6 270 - - Hallsville, TX
Taylor Doyle OL 6-5 270 - - Austin, TX
Steve Edmond LB 6-3 225 - - Daingerfield, TX
Sheroid Evans DB 6-1 185 4.35 - Sugar Land, TX
Marcus Hutchins OL 6-2 254 - - DeSoto, TX
Desmond Jackson DT 6-1 278 5 - Houston, TX
M.J. McFarland TE 6-4 236 5.37 - El Paso, TX
Chet Moss LB 6-1 219 - - Cedar Park, TX
Miles Onyegbule WR 6-4 200 4.54 - Arlington, TX
Leroy Scott DB 5-10 190 4.4 - Pasadena, TX
Jaxon Shipley WR 6-0 170 4.55 - Brownwood, TX
Mykkele Thompson ATH 6-0 168 4.5 - San Antonio, TX
It's a beautiful day in Tallahassee
Yeah but they evidentally have a policy (Per ThaRinger)
They offer kids early but if the kids accept they cannot take visits afterwards. Otherwise they’ll get dropped with no chance to re-commit. That must be why they wrap up 90% of their recruiting by the summer. Obviously they can do that BS since they’re Texas and every kid in that state grows up wanting to be a Horn. Any other BCS school would be committing suicide trying to pull that ish.
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 23, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions
No problem with these kids commiting to us early
We just can’t compare this to the practices that Texas employs. And like another poster said, none of these kids are surprises. We NEED to get them early so the staff can load up and go after the Jernigan’s, Lemay’s, Crowell’s, and Hunter’s (Whose gonna be a harder pull than most think IMO).
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 23, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
Meyer encourages kids to take visits before they commit to UF
He threatens them once they do commit and still take visits. Thats a bit of a difference. With UT you know up front. It’s lazy recruiting at it’s finest to me personally, but half my family are Longhorns (Other half are Sooners) so through them I understand the fanaticism that exist in the state. At the present time UF has the currency to be a bit more hard lined.They’re winning so thats where a lotta kids wanna end up anyway.
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 23, 2010 11:31 PM EST up reply actions
You honestly believe UT is lazy when it comes to recruiting
It's a beautiful day in Tallahassee
by RaysnNoles on Feb 24, 2010 7:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Evaluation wise? Obviously not
But when you have kids committed 11 plus months prior to NSD knowing most likely that they won’t back out of the commitments, you no longer have to ‘recruit’ them so to speak. So no, they aren’t putting in the same work that other programs that have to recruit kids (committed to them or not) right up until the LOI is faxed. IE: UGA with Rogers
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 24, 2010 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
They put in just as much work if not more than any school out there
Their 2011 fills up so the move to 2012 and beyond. Always thinking forward, they don’t slow down just because their class is full.
It's a beautiful day in Tallahassee
by RaysnNoles on Feb 24, 2010 10:32 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
We'll just have to agree to disagree
They certainly don’t have to allocate the same effort in order to ‘secure’ their classes. They won’t have to deal with a Telvin Smith type of situation at all. Forward thinking or not, most of their 2012 targets likely wanna go to UT anyway.They just have to evaluate the talent and see which ones they truly want. Not hating on them by any means, they are hard lined simply because they can be
by westcoastnolefan on Feb 24, 2010 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
So is it all propoganda that UM gets all pissy about it?
It's a beautiful day in Tallahassee
by RaysnNoles on Feb 24, 2010 9:04 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Pissy and Mack Brown's reaction are two entirely different things. People just like to complain about UM.
I’d be pisssy too if one of my recruits was out there courting other schools.
365 days, until I change my ways.
Yeah but Texas A&M and Texas Tech
are not comparable to Texas really. I mean both are in the same conference and have some good things going for them, but they have never been consistently on the level of the Longhorns. Now Texas may risk losing recruits to Oklahoma, LSU, etc once in a while, but I think they can afford to do things their way. Hearing that makes me lose a little respect for Mack Brown. That sounds like Urban Meyer.
I doubt the Nole coaches threaten to drop kids’ offers if they look elsewhere. They probably tell the kids to go ahead and make sure this is what they want.
They don't have that luxury...yet
It's a beautiful day in Tallahassee
by RaysnNoles on Feb 24, 2010 7:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
But why?
I doubt the Nole coaches threaten to drop kids’ offers if they look elsewhere. They probably tell the kids to go ahead and make sure this is what they want.
If you’re committed, why look around? If you want to look around, why commit? I wouldn’t have a problem with Fisher being against commits taking visits.
"Trick is right."
Circumstances change
If schools can shop around why can’t recruits?
by Jamil Dawson on Feb 24, 2010 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Texas
This would be a good example of what FSU seems to be trying to do. Get your recruits early. Texas usually has its class wrapped up December if I am not mistaken. I could be wrong. I know they got two late this year, but that is usually not their stlye. Seems to be working for them.
Under Armour All-American
On the ESPNU site it shows an UA icon next to Williams and Pettis’ names, saying they are All-Americans. Does anyone know if this means they have already been invited or they just have the potential to be invited?
Pettis has already said he was invited to play. I believe Williams was as well
365 days, until I change my ways.
Okay
So then that definitely means the icon next to their name indeed means they’ll be playing. It’s good to see we already got a couple guys going.
by HarlemNoles on Feb 23, 2010 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
Will be good to see some noles at those games! Tired of the gator lovefest this year at UA and army game this year!
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 11:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
From ESPN - Odell sealed the deal
“I got the chance to sit down and talk to (defensive line coach Odell Haggins) and learn about what all he can do for me as a defensive tackle,” Mitchell said.
“He wanted me there. They are the school that has put the most defensive tackles in the league during the past 10 years and (Haggins) was also an All-American defensive tackle at Florida State and played in the NFL. He just seems like a great coach to play for.”
Odell CAN coach DTs! Now I sense jimbo has lighted up the fire under him, impressed me with his tone and what he said at the recruiting war party.
by DesiNole on Feb 23, 2010 11:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You can double me up on every play, It don’t matter, can’t keep me away.
Speak softly, and carry a big Spear
by tdchrisdavis on Feb 23, 2010 11:59 PM EST up reply actions
The footage at the end with Deion talking to Sammie has withstood the test of time
He makes a priceless comment about Odell being better fitted for Slim Whitman beats than L.L. Cool J. beats. Awesome.
by The K-Man on Feb 24, 2010 1:03 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
How about "A rising tide lifts Odell's boat"?
Coaching the talent has not been the issue for Odell, Getting big, talented kids to fax their LOI has.
Loves me some staff synergy!
by The K-Man on Feb 23, 2010 11:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I have to give Odell the benefit of the doubt.
Who’s to say that like the players, he wasn’t demoralized and not reqruired or given the chance by the previous staff to fully develop his talents? He seems pumped now. Jimbo, Hudson, and Stoops won’t let him underachieve.
My values: I love my wife, admire my dog, and believe very deeply that Bobby Bowden and Paula Dean were separated at birth.
by PeachTreeNole on Feb 24, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
Hell yea!
Welcome aboard D Will. It seems like everytime I log in on here we have a new commitment. Jimbo and co must be on the grind.
by fsunole23 on Feb 23, 2010 11:30 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Of course they are
We don’t call them Jimbo’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen for nothing.
by Jamil Dawson on Feb 24, 2010 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
Glad to see
we’re finally starting to get size along the D-line. Since it’s unlikely that we get Jernigan, who’s next on the big board at DT that we have the best shot at getting?
Brandon Butler
Read an article about a kid named Brandon Butler that plays for Boyd Anderson. It says we’re the favorite to get him as of now. The article hypes him up pretty good:
Safety Brandon Butler is a downhill, hard-hitting defensive back who stands out on Friday nights. Often times, he is making bone-crunching hits that leave the opponent on the ground for an extended period of time. According to James, the term “head hunter” applies.
“Butler is a head hunter type guy. He plays with so much intensity. He could play safety or linebacker at the next level. Florida State is recruiting him as a strong safety,” James said.
The Seminoles are the odds-on favorite to land Butler with Miami (verbal offer) next on the list for the 6-foot-2, 180-pounder.
Has anybody seen him play? If so, what’s your opinion of him?
Same question i asked to myself
I assumed we are his favorite. Would love to see some highlights of the kid in action.
Ditto
I don’t know anything about him.
We are so full of DBs right now and will probably take 3-5. Cramdown in effect.
I agree... I think some serious WR and DB cuts are comming along with a couple RB's
We should remmember Fisher hasn’t cut big yet because he hasn’t been free to heretofore. I think he must be telling these kids something like, “trust me we will make room.”
I think we take 22 kids this cycle and have 2-3 cuts per skill position.
Yeah, right!
i don't doubt your logic,
but I’m not a fan of the word heretofore.
by Gulfport Nole on Feb 24, 2010 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
ummm dont know how good butler is….however this class is soo loaded with safetys; and safetys who are concidering FSU that unless your looking at him at another position not named LB (which Tony Steward is above all) then you dont take him.
i mean were talking Karlos Williams (s)
Heasan Clinton Dix (s)
Wayne Lyons (s)
and more.
Off topic but
If anyone in Orlando wants to go to some Dr Phillips games this year let me know, I’ll definitely be going to the Olympia and West Orange games this year and will try to get some footage of Heasan Clinton Dix as well as D. Heart (their running back who is supposed to be really good). If you guys know of any other DP or Orlando area kids we are after let me know and I will try to get some footage of them too.
All of these recruits coming on board must have gave him a nudge
Kind of like sign on the dotted line before the roster fills up. This program is definitely headed in the right direction.
" Fisher’s approach to building a winner is lifted from Saban’s playbook. Right down to the terminology such as becoming more "process oriented" as opposed to "results oriented."
" Nick and I are friends," he said. "That guy is one of the best football coaches I’ve ever been around. God knows he’s brilliant. … A lot of the things he believes are a lot of things I believe. We’re very similar!
The process begins!
by DocHoliday2 on Feb 24, 2010 10:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
By the way
We now know FSU is back as Bud is now brimming with optimism!
" Fisher’s approach to building a winner is lifted from Saban’s playbook. Right down to the terminology such as becoming more "process oriented" as opposed to "results oriented."
" Nick and I are friends," he said. "That guy is one of the best football coaches I’ve ever been around. God knows he’s brilliant. … A lot of the things he believes are a lot of things I believe. We’re very similar!
The process begins!
by DocHoliday2 on Feb 24, 2010 11:05 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
He's alternating! Yesterday half-full. Today half-empty. After we win the Division the med's will fully kick in.
Yeah, right!
Haha
I just meant that getting early commits does not show that we can keep them.
by Bud Elliott on Feb 24, 2010 11:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed! I would point out that Fisher has done very well with this for 2-3 years so far...
and that with a bad product on the field.
Yeah, right!
I would be a little depressed myself
If I were in a college where people dress up in red and keep screaming roll tide roll!
" Fisher’s approach to building a winner is lifted from Saban’s playbook. Right down to the terminology such as becoming more "process oriented" as opposed to "results oriented."
" Nick and I are friends," he said. "That guy is one of the best football coaches I’ve ever been around. God knows he’s brilliant. … A lot of the things he believes are a lot of things I believe. We’re very similar!
The process begins!
I would be depressed if i went anywhere besides FSU
You're so wise. You're like a miniature Buddha, covered in hair.
Lateley I have been working with a numch on Bama fans.
When they start their nonsense I just think to my self.
F.L.O.R.I.D.A S.T. A.T.E. Florida State Florida State woooooo!!
class of 99
WAIT A MINUTE... WAIT A MINUTE!
Didn’t his dad play at FSU in the early 90’s??
If so, that’s who I was thinking about when I posted a while back about the salt-of-the-earth, hardworking kids coming out of So Ga and No FL. I believe it was his dad who was raised on a farm, and when he went home from FSU, dad was waiting for him to pull stumps and other chores. Kid knew all about hard work and responsibility.
If this is his son, WOW!
My values: I love my wife, admire my dog, and believe very deeply that Bobby Bowden and Paula Dean were separated at birth.
Yes, and I'm totally confused.
The player I was thinking of was Reinard Wilson.
My values: I love my wife, admire my dog, and believe very deeply that Bobby Bowden and Paula Dean were separated at birth.
by PeachTreeNole on Mar 2, 2010 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
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