5-Star Linebacker Mike Mitchell Commits to Ohio State

Eleven Warriors has reported that the Buckeyes have landed Mike Mitchell.

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Mike Mitchell, a consensus top 10 outside linebacker from Plano, TX chooses Ohio State over Texas A&M and Oregon. #gobucks

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) January 5, 2013

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Mitchell is a 5-star middle linebacker, according to Scout.com. This comes as huge news to Buckeyes fans as Mitchell is arguably the most athletic player in the class of 2013. Mitchell burst onto the scene at The Opening, a combine in Oregon, this past summer. At 6'4", 220 pounds, Mitchell recorded a 4.39 40-yard dash while setting the National SPARQ rating record at 154.47.  

The linebacker from Plano, Texas is a freak athlete, but will it translate to football success? Most think it will. With offers from Ohio State, Florida State, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and about 100 other schools, Mitchell has been one of the most sought after recruits this year. His pledge to Ohio State is huge.

With the Buckeyes losing two of their top three linebackers heading into 2013, Mitchell will be able to compete for playing time right away. There will be a learning curve, no doubt, but if Mitchell can adjust to the college speed sooner rather than later, he could find himself running with the first team when fall camp comes around.  

This has to be exciting for the Buckeye faithful.  It's rare that a true freshman comes to Ohio State and has a chance to start from day one. This is the case with Mitchell. Coach Luke Fickell has a huge history in developing linebackers, and Mitchell could be the most athletic one to wear the scarlet and gray.