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football Edit

Five lead for Ga. LB

Nigel Mitchell-Thornton is a linebacker prospect from Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson High School. Mitchell-Thornton, 6-2 and 225 pounds, recorded 108 tackles and 6 sacks last season as a junior. Spring practice just ended and this is a player that has improved.
"Personally, I think it went pretty well," said Mitchell-Thornton. "I knew this season would be about just improving on the little things. Last year I worked on technique now it's about leadership. I have to bring up my teammates. I have to say it has been a great experience."
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Mitchell-Thornton is versatile linebacker prospect that could play anyone of the linebacker positions in college and even put his hand down.
"Some schools like me as a hybrid. They say I could play defensive end or strong side linebacker. Other schools like me at a variety of linebacker positions because I am pretty versatile.
"I am the type of player that can assess a play pretty quickly. I guess it's from experience. I have played the game for ten years now. I recognize stuff from formations and I just react quickly. I am also a powerful tackler with good closing speed. I play well in space and I can rush the passer. I played defensive end as a sophomore and got 16 sacks."
According to Mitchell-Thornton he has 15 scholarship offers but he's still waiting on offers from his top five schools. Georgia Tech was the first to offer while Arkansas offered last week and Vanderbilt offered today.
"I like Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.
"Clemson has given me a verbal offer but I am waiting for one in writing. I like their scheme. It fits me perfectly. Their linemen are good and I like the linebacker coach.
"I like Auburn a lot. Coach (Terry) Price is recruiting me and I like the linebacker coach as well. And I know their defense fits me. Auburn is known for great linebackers.
"I have talked with Coach (Nick) Saban and I also think it's a great benefit to me that Lance Thompson would be my position coach. I know he came by the school. They really want me to get me up there and I think they are close to offering.
"Florida seems like a great program. They have been talking to me for a while now. I know people there and I played with Jermaine Cunningham. I talk with him a lot and he tells me great things about Florida. I went to their spring game and had a great a time.
"I like Tennessee. I like coach (John) Chavis and I know he would be my position coach. I went up there and watched practice. They would be a nice fit. I can't wait to get up there for camp. They need linebackers."
Mitchell-Thornton plans on camping this summer at Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia Tech. So far he has taken unofficial visits to Tennessee, Florida, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, and Clemson. Mitchell-Thornton plans on taking at least one unofficial visit to Maryland.
"I am mostly looking at the (defensive) schemes and what defense helps me. I want to find a fit for my abilities and take advantage of that. I want to use my whole potential. I am also looking at chemistry with the coaches and the team."
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