Ex-Ohio State LB Mike Mitchell's Transfer to Texas Tech Huge for Kliff Kingsbury

Less than a year after arriving at Ohio State as a heralded freshman, Mike Mitchell is heading home. According to 247Sports.com reporter Taylor Hamm, the Plano, Texas, product has decided to transfer to Texas Tech:

The 6'3", 222-pound linebacker left the Buckeyes' football program in February to seek opportunities elsewhere after the spring semester.

At the time, Eleven Warriors writer Kyle Rowland reported that his father's health played a factor in the decision.

After weighing multiple options in the Lone Star State, Mitchell is the newest Red Raider.

His choice caps off a stunning turn of events for a recruit whom many expected to make an immediate impact in Columbus. Rated No. 5 nationally among outside linebackers and No. 58 overall as a prospect at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Mitchell was a marquee member of Urban Meyer's 2013 class.

He registered 337 total tackles and 22 sacks during his junior and senior high school seasons, securing scholarship offers from more than 20 teams.

Mitchell committed to Ohio State over Oregon and Texas A&M in front of a national television audience at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

On Friday, with far less fanfare, he officially moved on from the Buckeyes following a redshirt season.

Credit: 247Sports

Texas Tech offers Mitchell an opportunity to push the reboot button on his collegiate career, just a few hours away from his hometown. Luke Zimmerman of Land-Grant Holy Land suggests that he also considered Baylor and Texas A&M (again).

Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury adds to a growing collection of impressive incoming defenders.

It remains to be seen whether Mitchell will be receive a waiver and be ruled eligible for the 2014 season, but standard transfer rules require players to sit for a full season before returning to game action.

Texas Tech has already assembled a solid 2015 recruiting class, which is currently rated 26th nationally in 247Sports' composite team rankings. Much-needed defensive help anchors the group.

The class includes 4-star Hawaii defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko and highly productive in-state linebacker D'Vonta Hinton, who tallied 329 tackles during the past two seasons.

With Mitchell's commitment and a few key pledges between now and national signing day, there's serious potential for a major influx of defensive talent in Lubbock.

Texas Tech surrendered 30 points per game in 2013, ranking 88th nationally in that category.

Recruit ratings and information courtesy of 247Sports.com unless otherwise noted.

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