Interview: San Gorgonio ATH Isiaha Mitchell Makes Transition to San Bernardino Valley JUCO
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
So it seems, every high school team has that guy who is just a hard-nosed football player born to play the game. For San Gorgonio High School during the 2017-18 seasons, that guy was Isiaha Mitchell. Mitchell (5-8, 195) wrapped up his senior season contributing in all three phases of the game for the Spartans helping his squad to a 12-4 finish. His skills were best highlighted on defense at outside linebacker racking up 104 stops, 72 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, picked off a pass and picked up a fumble. Now, all that talent is heading to San Bernardino Valley College.
For an update on Mitchell’s transition from high school ball to the college ranks, I sat down for a quick update interview with the highly productive backer.
Interview
Isiaha, you wrapped up your high school career at San Gorgonio High School. Which next level program will you be playing for in 2019?
“I will be playing for San Bernardino Valley College.”
You were a unique athlete to say the least in high school playing all over the field. Where all did you play on the field during your senior year?
“I was mostly at outside linebacker-weakside linebacker and I rotated in at Sam a lot. I also played some offense at tight end and fullback. I was on all the special teams at kick returner and things like that.”
Where does SBVC see you helping them over the next two seasons?
“Right now, they have me as a hybrid rover and Will. They are moving me around using my speed and size on defense.”
What have you been working on with your game this spring?
“I have been working with one of my trainers from high school, Coach Tracy. We have been working on cardio, adding more weight, and getting ready for the season.”
Where are you already seeing the improvements with your workouts?
“My biggest improvements are with my footwork, overall fundamentals like reading the tackles and linemen better, seeing formations – everything really. I am improving on all that I need to know for the next level.”
When did you report?
“I reported on July 1.”
That’s exciting. You are early in the process, but how has it gone so far?
“It has been great. I have a great linebacker coach, Coach Will Smith from the Dallas Cowboys. He also played at Texas Tech. He has a lot in store for me and I know he will help me improve to get to the next level.”
That is fantastic to receive instruction from someone who has played at both the collegiate and professional levels.
“It is. Every coach on the team played at the next level and at least half of the coaches have been in the NFL.”
What will that moment be like for you taking the field this season as a college football player?
“Everything moving fast. Growing up I had a favorite college football team, now I am playing college ball. It is a blessing. I am having fun doing what I love to do. College ball is a lot different from high school ball, but I can handle it.”
You had some offers during your senior year, are there schools showing interest in you as you make that transition to JUCO ball?
“Yes. Valdosta State, Arizona Christian, Virginia of Lynchburg, Lake Erie, and Alabama State, there are some others I cannot think of right now, but all of those schools have been showing interest.”
What goals have you set for yourself for your freshman season?
“This year, I am looking forward to improving on the fundamentals along with the physical and mental part of the game.”
Isiaha, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with the rest of your summer workouts and with your freshman season playing college ball.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; Isiaha Mitchell