Interview: 2018 Iowa State Commit Re-al Mitchell Updates Cyclones Camp and Early Enrollment Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 quarterback class is loaded with talent across the country thanks in part to versatile talents in the pocket like Re-al Mitchell. The Los Angeles area native helped guide St. John Bosco High School to a No. 2 end of season MaxPreps ranking by winning a California state title in the Golden State’s toughest division. The winning ways and high productivity on the gridiron has brought scholarship offers from college coaches across the country for Mitchell but Iowa State won out on May 1.

After passing for 2,932 yards with 30 scores and running the rock 152 times for 1,058 more yards with 15 additional touchdowns, the legend of Mitchell has grown. Sprinkled interest and offers from the end of the 2016 season has exploded into 19 offers extended from Rutgers, New Mexico, Utah, Northwestern, Cal Poly, Arizona, Hawaii, South Carolina, Central Florida, San Jose State, Old Dominion, Air Force, Colorado State, Connecticut, Fresno State, Illinois, UNLV, and Kansas State. All-in with Iowa State, over the weekend Mitchell (6-0, 190), an Elite 11 finalist, took his second unofficial visit to Ames getting his first opportunity to work with the Cyclones staff one-on-one during an elite camp.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, Mitchell breaks down his visit to Ames and shares news on just how soon he may be under the guidance of Iowa State’s coaching staff in 2018.

Interview

Re-al, when did you get to Iowa State?

“I got in Thursday night (June 15).”

What all have you done since arriving on campus?

“This was the first time for my mom (Sha-ri Mitchell) being on campus. During my last trip to Ames, it was my dad and I. We did everything over again for my mom. But it was cool seeing everything a second time, seeing new things I had overlooked during the first visit. I saw more of the campus on this campus tour. This weekend was focusing on impressing my mom as much as possible.”

Did your mom like Iowa State?

“She liked what she saw.”

Did you learn anything new about the university or surrounding area in Ames on this visit?

“Learning – I saw more of the campus, engineering and different departments. We took a golf cart this time around campus instead of a SUV. We drove around Ames as well. We are going to Des Moines to see what that is like. We are just observing more of Iowa.”

Did you camp with the Cyclones this weekend?

“Yes. I attended the camp on Saturday. I worked out there with some other recruits. Sterling Galiban (2018 receiver), was up there. I wanted other commits to come but that did not work out. Sterling and I worked on some early chemistry during the camp.”

How did the camp go?

“It was not traditional for me. I was treated a little differently. Parts of the camp were costumed around me. I threw some scripted balls for the coaches and we worked on some footwork drills with my drops.”

Last I saw you at the Elite 11 you were on point and on fire with your accuracy, were you able to showcase that same level of performance at the camp over the weekend?

“Yes. During the dead period for Bosco, it is good to constantly throw. I’ve still got some flames left in the cannon from the Elite 11.”

Did you have a chance to talk to prospective recruits the Cyclones are going after during your visit?

“The coaching staff had me talk to some recruits, some guys they were close to getting. The guys I talked to were enthusiastic, so I did not have to do too much. I showed them how welcoming Iowa State is for recruits. I think they picked up two today, Chris Young (safety) and Gerry Vaughn (linebacker).”

During your first visit to Iowa State I remember the weather was not great for you, how was it this time around?

“Well, we got a direct flight into Des Moines which was great. It rained a little on Saturday but the weather has been a lot better than the last time I was here.”

What are your plans for the rest of the summer?

“I’m working out with the team the rest of the summer. We have one more week of a dead period then the week after that is when summer football starts. We have some big 7v7 competitions like the Battle at the Beach coming up. I am looking forward to that. I have some summer school courses to take care of so I can graduate early. That is my plan.”

Did you set a time to go back to Iowa State for an official or an unofficial visit this fall?

“Yes. I am planning on going to the Sept. 9 “Cy-Hawk” game against the Hawkeyes. I will take my official visit then.”

Last time we spoke you were at 19 offers, have any other programs offered you since the Elite 11?

“No, not since then.”

Are any schools showing recruiting interest in you even though you are committed?

“Not really, and I am enjoying it too.”

Re-al, thanks for your time today. Congrats on a successful visit to Iowa State this weekend.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Mitchell family; Re-al Mitchell with mother Sha-ri Mitchell at ISU

Photo credit: Mitchell family; Re-al, Sha-ri, and Rodney Mitchell at ISU (June 2017)