Mitch maturing as QB

Because he possesses a strong arm,Connor Mitch of Raleigh (N.C.) Wakefield admittedly took too many risks as a quarterback when he was younger.

"I thought that's what I had to do," he said.

Today, Mitch calls himself a more mature - and better - signal caller.

"I can tell watching film from the past couple of years," said Mitch, a junior. "I feel like I've gotten quicker. The ball is coming out harder, but I also know when to put touch on it, compared to my freshman year when I didn't."

Mitch's numbers in 2011 are off the charts.

In nine games, the 6-feet-3, 210-pounder has thrown for 3,100 yards and 38 touchdowns with only four interceptions. In one game, he topped the 600-yard mark.

Colleges like what they've seen.

Thus far, East Carolina, North Carolina and North Carolina State have offered. Meantime, others are showing heavy interest.

"I'm hearing a lot from Rutgers, Maryland, Mississippi State, Florida State, Kentucky, Alabama, Auburn, Florida," Mitch said. "I'm hearing two or three times a week from [Maryland]. I think I'm getting close to an offer. I hear from East Carolina weekly, and I get something in the mail every day from N.C. State and UNC."

This fall, Mitch has attended games at Florida, Florida State, Maryland, North Carolina and North Carolina State. He watched the Terrapins, whom older brother Ryan played for, play last Saturday against Clemson.

"I liked it," Mitch said. "It was exciting. It was the most exciting game I've been to all year."

Mitch, who is considering a visit to nearby Duke this weekend, claims to have no leaders yet.

"Obviously the three that have offered are up there, but other than that, it's early," Mitch said. "I'm not going to rush it. I'm just going to take my time and see what each has to offer."

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at kneebs01@aol.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.