Interview: Role to Expand on Defense for Rising 2022 California TE Tywon Mitchell
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One of the most versatile and depended upon positions in any offense, and often most overlooked, is the tight end. Tight ends have to get nasty in the trenches, run routes like a receiver, and pick up yards after the catch like a running back coming out of the backfield. The position often demands a hand in the dirt, lining up in the slot, and occasionally being in the backfield as a fullback/H-back lead blocker… all things hold true for Class of 2022 St. Anthony’s rising prospect Tywon Mitchell.
Utilized more as a blocker during his sophomore run, the 6-2, 220-pound, talent did make an impact in the Saints’ offense hauling in 15 passes for 195 yards. That role will expand on offense and to defense playing outside linebacker in a 3-3 set. With interest coming in from Nevada, Fresno State, Columbia, and Duke, Mitchell has hit the offseason hard ready to showcase his growing skills.
In an RNG initial interview, Mitchell covers ground on his game as a sophomore, offseason workouts, and new role on defense in 2020.
Interview
Tywon, during the 2019 season how were your skills being utilized within the Saints offense?
I feel like it was utilized more by using my size, especially in short yardage situations like on third down and third and five and 10. My coaches were utilizing how big I am.
Which positions were you playing last year?
Last year I was at slot and tight end.
Once the season ended, what did you feel were the overall strengths to your game as a receiving target?
I felt like I was moving more towards the tight end position. I shifted over to tight end in a way. As the season went on I became more focused as a tight end.
What were you doing well as a hand in the dirt tight end with your blocking?
I felt like I blocked really well. I contributed to the team with my blocking, run and pass blocking.
Once the 2020 season gets going where all on the field are you lining up?
On both sides of the field, at outside linebacker and tight end. They will be moving me out to slot some.
What style of offense will you guys be running?
We will run a one-tight end off-set and Spread.
What about on defense? What scheme are you guys executing?
A 3-3 and we will bring it to a 4-2 based on the team we are playing.
Are you excited to play linebacker this season?
Yes. I am excited to make a lot of big hits and get some picks to put on the highlight reel.
What have you been working on throughout this offseason as an offensive player?
I have been working on getting more comfortable in my stance, working on my routes, and working on improving my hands.
And going the other way, what have you been working on as a defender?
My stance, coming out of a linebacker stance, and I have been working on hitting; we have not hit in a while. I have been working on my hands, getting my hands better at shedding blocks. In a 4-2, I will come down as defensive end. I am working on getting around the offensive tackle.
What have you been doing in and out of the weight room to add more strength to your game?
Deadlifts, bench press, and lots of curls at home every day.
And what have you been doing to improve your overall speed?
I try to run three miles on the treadmill three times a week, go out run routes, and I run with my dad.
With the California season beginning first of January, what do you want to accomplish over the next couple of months in preparation for your junior year?
The usual, get stronger, faster, worker harder, and work on my craft to get ready for the season.
Tywon, it was great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time and wish you success this fall preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Mitchell family; Tywon Mitchell