Damon Mitchell for those interested

His coach worked hard against Tech. Looks like he has a chance to start.

Cedar Creek's Damon Mitchell signs letter of intent to Arkansas
Cedar Creek High School quarterback Damon Mitchell has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Arkansas.

Mitchell officially made his announcement at a news conference this afternoon at Cedar Creek in Egg Harbor City.

"I feel relieved to finally make my decision. I wound up choosing Arkansas because it was the closest place to Cedar Creek. It's like my high school in that the coaches, professors and fans all care about you. And it's such a beautiful campus. I knew I was going there as soon as I got there for my visit last weekend," Mitchell said.

"I feel very blessed an thankful for the opportunities I received from Georgia Tech, Rutgers and some other programs. Georgia Tech showed me a lot of respect through this whole process and I wanted to show them the same respect, so I called them Monday to let them know I was going to Arkansas. The coaches at Georgia Tech had always told me to follow my heart and that's what I did. They told me that if things didn't work out for whatever reason at Arkansas that they would try to help me."

Coach Tim Watson said that Mitchell felt that Arkansas' offense was better suited for him.

"(He) loves being a quarterback. He loved Georgia Tech but he thinks the offense at Arkansas is better suited for him. He wants to be the best he can be and the level of competition both at Arkansas and in the SEC is going to push him. He's not a kid that backs down from a challenge, so I think he'll do very well. I'm so proud of him," Watson said.

Mitchell rushed for 1,027 yards and 21 touchdowns this past season. He also threw for 22 touchdowns and 2,025 yards. He led the Pirates to their first South Jersey Group II title game.

His coach is just covering his arse.

Hopefully Vad can show everybody that there is a place at GT for a mobile QB that can pass well.

His passing stats from HS don't sound all that great to me. Is 2,000 yards really that big of a deal at that level?

I think 2000 is a big number, considering his arm. He looked very hot and cold as a QB to me. I think he'd have ended up at Safety here too.

Oh, and by that I mean: he's going to be a safety or WR at Arkansas.

I guess it is. Vad barely broke 2,000 yards and only had 10 passing TDs his junior season. Hell, Nesbitt passed for 2,800.

I think looking at HS stats can be really misleading. What's the level of competition? What are a guy's receivers like? What's the offense? How good is the running back and how many yards is he getting (and thus taking away from possible passing yards)? How many games did he play? Was he hurt? Was he playing defense too? Was his team up big in the first half a lot (and he didn't have to play 2nd half)? Etc.

Originally Posted by TECH61

I was told that all he did on his visit here was whine about Vad and Justin and that he would never see the field at qb. I was also told that our players did not like him and told a few coaches that they thought he was not a good fit with the players. We don't need players that don't wont to be here....

I would tend to agree with that. No going to go the sour grapes route, b/c heaven know we need all the good players we can land. But Tech is not the place for prima donnas--on or off the field. ;

Originally Posted by TECH61

I was told that all he did on his visit here was whine about Vad and Justin and that he would never see the field at qb. I was also told that our players did not like him and told a few coaches that they thought he was not a good fit with the players. We don't need players that don't wont to be here....

I don't go by hearsey, what matters is that Tech wanted him at QB, and still left the door for him to return to Tech if he decides. Will he beat out the more "pro style" qb I don't know, but his measureables impressed Brett enought to offer him as QB, he won Player of the Year as a qb (whom has only played the position for 2 years) so apparently there is some upside. He'll be playing with a 5* running back and a big O-line so yeah he has a chance, I just wish it would have been at Tech. His coach definitely played a part in him not being here which sucks. It's funny that he was listed as a 4* upon accepting the offer from Arkansas.

They have recruited 2 other QB's this year that fit into the pro style heavy running attack that they will run. He will be a safety there.