Ahmir Mitchell Commits to Michigan: 4-Star Athlete Provides Promise at WR and DB

Another New Jersey standout is headed to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Ahmir Mitchell, a two-way playmaker at Cedar Creek High School near Atlantic City, committed to Michigan on Thursday afternoon. The 4-star athlete announced his decision via a Bleacher Report video, choosing the Wolverines over conference rival Ohio State:

Mitchell, a 6'3", 206-pound wide receiver and safety, is the third New Jersey product to join head coach Jim Harbaugh's 2016 recruiting haul. He follows defensive end Ron Johnson and wide receiver Brad Hawkins, 4-star teammates at Camden High School.

Mitchell, who also claims scholarship offers from Florida State, Rutgers, Ole Miss and Notre Dame, is the third-ranked player in his state. The young man who leads that list—top overall defensive tackle prospect Rashan Gary of Paramus Catholic High School—is also considering Michigan. 

The Wolverines now hold 23 commitments in a class rated seventh nationally. Mitchell provides Michigan with a player who carries significant promise on both sides of the football.

He emerged as a go-to target for Cedar Creek quarterback and older brother Damon Mitchell during his freshman season, helping the team reach a state sectional title game in just its second year of varsity competition.

"Ahmir is going to be big-time," Damon, now an Arkansas wide receiver, said during that 11-win campaign.

He was right.

The younger Mitchell tallied 821 rushing and receiving yards as a sophomore, per NJ.com, scoring 13 offensive touchdowns and taking three kicks back to the house on special teams.

Mitchell elevated his game last fall, collecting a career-best 47 receptions for 872 yards and 12 scores. He totaled 1,419 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns in 2014, per MaxPreps, adding 37 tackles and an interception.

"Ahmir is a very special talent. He steps up in a lot of roles for us," Cedar Creek head coach Tim Watson said.

Credit: 247Sports

Rated seventh nationally among athletes and 90th overall in 2016 composite rankings, Mitchell's ultimate collegiate potential remains a mystery. Michigan recruited him primarily at wide receiver, but it's easy to see his promise at safety.

He played both positions while attending a regional Nike camp this April at the New York Jets' facilities. Despite more offensive accomplishments in high school, Mitchell remains a compelling prospect on defense and looks comfortable patrolling the secondary.

"I feel as though I'm an all-around athlete, so I really don't mind playing any position on the field," he said last year.

For now, he looks like a lock to start his college career at receiver. Michigan holds pledges from four top-tier offensive linemen, Elite 11 quarterback Brandon Peters, a pair of 4-star running backs and Hawkins, a fellow 4-star New Jersey pass target, creating a formidable future attack.

Mitchell would join a positional group that includes a quality corps of young talent. Redshirt freshman Drake Harris was a top in-state recruit during the 2014 recruiting cycle, while Maurice Ways, Brian Cole and Grant Perry are possible first-year contributors.

Michigan offensive coordinator Tim Drevno will spend this season figuring out exactly what he has at receiver.

Juniors Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh are team veterans who should factor into the equation as potential breakout candidates, but they would both be down to one remaining year of eligibility when Mitchell enrolls.

Mitchell projects as a "Z" receiver, tasked with lining up both inside and outside as a versatile weapon. He has the size and strength to feast on defenders with intermediate routes that take him across the field or down the seam.

His skill set could also shine at safety, where he flashes the aggressiveness and range to halt opponents' rushing and passing efforts. Mitchell can lay the lumber, providing an intimidating presence at the back end of a defense, and he's a threat to produce momentum-altering returns after interceptions.

Expectations are high this season for a collection of Wolverines safeties that features 5-star 2014 recruit Jabrill Peppers, another New Jersey native, and senior Jarrod Wilson. 

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin may not immediately work with Mitchell in Ann Arbor, but don't be surprised if he gets his hands on him a few years from now.

Tony Ding/Associated Press

Mitchell visited Michigan multiple times during his recruitment, coming away with a strong impression of Harbaugh.

“He’s a great recruiter," Mitchell said following a spring trip to campus. "He’s very hands-on and doesn’t like other people doing things for him. It's very exciting to see how everyone feels about him at Michigan.”

Despite a 5-7 record last season, the Wolverines carry a ton of recruiting momentum into Harbaugh's first fall back at his alma mater. This latest 4-star commitment—his seventh since June—provides another positive jolt toward national signing day.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue. All recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter @TDsTake.