Jackson Mitchell, Connecticut Football News: Draft Scout Player News

10/07/22 - ILB Jackson Mitchell, Sr/2024, Connecticut

Amid all the turmoil and uncertainty within the UConn football team in the last two seasons, Jackson Mitchell has been the lifeblood as the program rebuilds. The Ridgefield native has been a starting linebacker for the Huskies since his freshman year in 2019 and has seen his role transition into a leader by example. This season, he leads the team with 66 total tackles, 20 more than anyone else on the roster. Mitchell has forced and recovered a fumble and has recorded four tackles for losses that resulted in 18 negative yards. Mitchell's performance this season is made even more impressive by the fact that he has been dealing with a hand injury since the spring.

UConn coach Jim Mora said Tuesday that Mitchell had thumb surgery to repair a fracture in the spring and still has a screw in his thumb. "I don't know how many players in college football would play through that," Mora said. "I don't think anyone could have faulted Jackson if he decided to let it heal, but he didn't. He decided to play, so he has been practicing and playing with a splint on." The injury had not fully healed by the time the season began, so doctors were unable to remove the screw. Mitchell decided he was going to play anyway. "He has a screw in there… they weren't able to take it out because it hadn't healed well enough by the time the season started," Mora said. "So, he said 'Okay, put a brace on it and let's go'. You have to respect that." Mitchell has paced the defense, which Mora says have been steadily improving for UConn at the midway point in the season. "He takes every snap, he never comes out," Mora said. 'He is on punt, he is involved with special teams, and he's just has that warrior spirit. He is not going to be denied." - CT Post

Sr/2024