Rising 2020 APB Creighton Mitchell Talks Football and Iowa State Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If there was a textbook definition of an all-purpose back coming out of the high school ranks, Class of 2020 talent Creighton Mitchell may be the embodiment of the position. The rising West Valley High School standout is burning opposing Class 4A Iowa defenses coming out of the backfield as a running and receiving threat and at the slot mixing up looks with great results. The big play on the field is leading to a heavy rush of interest on the recruiting trail.

Mitchell is that scat-back with deceptive speed and quickness capable of turning a short play into a game changer. At 5-8, 175-pounds, he has used his skillset to rush for 406 yards on 52 totes with seven scores and has hauled in 12 passes for 102 yards with six more points going up on the board. With Mitchell helping push the offense downfield, the Tigers are off to a 6-0 start and are one of the top teams in Iowa. The production for one of the best teams in Iowa has brought college coaches to the yard. As Mitchell cements himself as a next level talent, college coaches are bridging the recruiting process with Iowa State, Iowa, Minnesota, and Northwestern, among others, all taking interest.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Mitchell for a one-on-one covering his game and emerging recruiting prospects.

Interview

Creighton, the Tigers have been steamrolling teams playing really well on both sides of the ball. The offense is scoring at a clip of 36 points per game, what is working for you guys allowing you to be so productive?

“What is working well, we have a nice stable of running backs, our receivers love doing their job and are helping us by blocking downfield, and our offensive line has been great. They worked hard all offseason and it is showing. Our offense has great chemistry. We are scoring a lot of points and working well together.”

How are the Tigers’ coaches utilizing your athleticism within the offense?

“They are keying on how versatile I am on offense. I feel that I am as good at running the ball as catching the ball out of the slot. They are making defenses key on me at three or four positions.”

What are some of the ways you are getting the ball?

“I am getting the ball on pass routes, jet sweeps, and dives – I have a big role this season on offense.”

You mentioned you feel you are a strong runner and can catch the ball well out of the slot, what are the other strengths of your game?

“The thing I pride myself on is blocking. Me being a little smaller, I am physical and aggressive as a blocker. The next strength of mine is catching the ball out of the backfield and in the slot.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game this season?

“My biggest improvement is catching the ball and being just as good out of the slot as the backfield. Every Friday night, you see players that are good between the tackles but cannot catch the ball. I can catch the ball.”

You guys just bounced Ubrandale 49-10, how did the game go for you?

“It went really well. We started well, scored on first drive but then stalled a little after that. We scored at halftime and then after halftime we scored 35 unanswered. I think I had 10 or 12 carries for close to 100 yards and two catches for 50 yards.”

Did you get on the board?

“Yes. I had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving.”

You get Lincoln next, what kind of challenge will their defense bring to the field for you?

“They are really physical upfront. Any team that is physical upfront will try to slow our run game. Jefferson had a big line, but our offensive line handled them well. The battle in the trenches will determine the outcome of the game.”

Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Minnesota, Iowa, Iowa State, Northwestern, Harvard, and Navy.”

That’s a nice list. When college coaches have talked to you about your skillset, what are they telling you they like?

“They really like how versatile that I am and that I can run out of the slot and backfield. They love my versatility.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits lately?

“Yes. I went to Iowa State for the Oklahoma game and for the Akron game. I also visited Iowa for their game against Iowa State.”

How did the Iowa State visits go?

“They went really well. I really love Jack Trice Stadium. I have a lot of family who went to Iowa State, I am used to being up there. Being at Jack Trice, it is a very nice atmosphere there.”

How did the Iowa visit go?

“It was super nice. That was my first time being there, being inside Kinnick Stadium. You hear a lot about it but being there is much different. That was something that I had never experienced before in a positive way.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I do. On Oct. 6 I am going to Minnesota for the Iowa game, on Oct. 13 I am going back to Iowa State for the West Virginia game, and I may go to Iowa for the Maryland or Nebraska game.”

Busy man. Creighton, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Lincoln.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Mitchell family; Creighton Mitchell at ISU and Iowa