Interview: 2023 Texas DB/WR Bruce Mitchell Picking Up Recruiting Steam after College Camps
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The focus for Bruce Mitchell entering his sophomore season was at receiver, but as fate takes hold of things, there was a bigger shift towards cornerback. Mitchell showcased his athleticism with Parish Episcopal during the 2020 season with a posted stat line of 10 receptions for 99 yards and 56 tackles, 23 solo, with an interception and nine passes broken up. When the 2021 schedule kicks off, the 6-1, 182-pound, talent will be taking on 5A Texas squads with Lone Star High School. He will be doing so with three offers in his backpack and interest building among SEC and Big 12 teams.
In an RNG first-look interview, Mitchell updates us on his transfer and college camp.
Interview
Bruce, during your sophomore season, what all were you doing on the field with the Panthers?
My sophomore year, I started playing receiver and by Week 3 I started my first game at corner. It was cool playing both positions all year. We won state both years I was there; that was cool too.
As a defender, when the 2020 season wrapped what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game?
At DB, I feel like my strengths were making plays on the ball, my man covering, and my off-man were good. This offseason I have been working on technique. I have been working on getting my feet right. Last year was my first year playing corner, I didn’t have the technique but I was good enough to make plays. Now I am working on the technique. I am in grind mode working on staying square – on all of it. I will have a way better season this year on defense.
As a receiver, what were the strengths to your game at the end of the season?
One of my strengths was my speed, and I can make plays in the open field. I am a very proficient route runner. My coach has me right at receiver.
This offseason you’ve made the transition to Lone Star High School; what will you be doing on the field with the Rangers this fall?
This fall, I am playing safety, corner, and receiver. It will be really fun. I will have film on both sides of the ball. I am looking for some big things.
You already covered how you were preparing for the new role on defense, what have you been doing preparing for your role on offense?
I have been working on my route running, sidelines, and catching in bounds. I have been more focused at DB; my biggest offer was there. I’ve been focused more there these days.
You have some wheels on you, how fast are you?
Okay, my fastest 40 is a 4.52. My 100, is an 11-flat but I am working on a 10.9 to 10.7 this year. That’ll be awesome if I can reach that time. I am getting faster and improving. I want a 4.4 before I leave high school.
Which high school sports are you playing?
I play basketball, football, compete in track, and play baseball. I am a four-sport athlete.
Did you get to compete at any of the national camps this offseason?
Yes, I went to an Under Armour camp. I did well there. I was out there doing my thing locking receivers up. That was fun.
Which college camps did you go to?
I went to Texas, that was my first, then the SMU Mega Camp, and I did a private workout with SMU. I also went to camps at TCU, A&M, and Baylor was my last one. This summer, I’ve been busy.
Tell me about your performance at the TCU camp.
It was really good. I have built a good relationship with their cornerbacks coach, Coach (Jeremy) Modkins, and with Coach (Gary) Patterson (head coach). I am looking forward to going back up there. At their camp, I locked receivers up. I am looking forward to the future with TCU and A&M.
What did you learn at the Texas A&M camp that will help you going forward?
I learned a lot from the coaches there, especially from Coach (Antonio) Cromartie (GA) and Coach (TJ) Rushing (DB). I learned a lot that I am putting into my own game. At the A&M camp, I performed well there. You can see that on all the videos I posted on Twitter from their camp.
Nice. With recruiting, which schools are showing interest now?
The teams showing the most interest are Baylor, Texas, and TCU. I know they want to see more of me. I played private school ball last year, I am playing 5A this year. This will open eyes. I will wake them up. It will be a good year for me and for my team. I am looking forward to it.
How many offers are you holding?
Three: Liberty, Illinois State, and Arkansas Baptist.
When you were making the rounds during the camps this summer, which schools did you visit?
I went to TCU, Texas which was really cool, TCU was really cool, there facilities were awesome, and A&M has great facilities. I am going to Baylor next week.
Bruce, thank you for your time today. I am excited to see how the 2021 season with Lone Star goes for you?
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Mitchell family; Bruce Mitchell