Mitchell talks schools from all-star practice

MOBILE, Ala. - Four-star defensive back Charles Mitchell out of Clarksdale, Miss. was a big reason for all of the success that his team had this season. Unfortunately, Clarksdale didn't have as much success as Mitchell would have liked. Now as he prepares for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic, he is enjoying having a little more help.

"This season was disappointing," Mitchell said. "We lost to Noxubee County in the second round. We had too many turnovers and got outplayed. We went 8-3. My hamstring was bothering me all season but it's healthy now."

Mitchell, who plays running back, cornerback and strong safety for Clarksdale along with returning kicks has found out what its like to be among players his own caliber this week and it has gone well for him.

On the first day of practice, Mitchell intercepted a hitch pass and returned it for a touchdown. He has shown good instincts at his strong safety position for Mississippi and could be a major impact player at the game on Monday night.

"Usually you're the best player on your team and you want to make sure that everybody else is doing right," he said. "Out here everybody knows their responsibilities and everybody's fast. It's fun."

Mitchell has the speed and athleticism to man the corner, but his 5-11 frame gives him plenty of potential to move inside to safety or linebacker. His offer list consists only of Ole Miss and Mississippi State right now but he is talking to a few other programs including Alabama and Memphis.

"I'm still wide open," he said. "I've got official visits set up for Mississippi State and Memphis. I'm going to Mississippi State on the 18th of January and Memphis on the 25th."

Though he doesn't have a visit set up for the Rebels yet, Mitchell is still very interested in Ole Miss, regardless of the coach.

"I had scheduled a visit to Ole Miss for January 18th but then the coaches got fired and Mississippi State came in and wanted a visit that same weekend. I'll still have to figure something out for Ole Miss."

Despite the coaching switch at Ole Miss, Mitchell is encouraged by a talk with coach Houston Nutt.

"I talked to the new coaches there and talked to Coach Nutt," he said. "He's got a lot of energy and I like it that he's really excited."