A trio of homegrown players — Bryce Mitchell, Tycen Anderson, and Mitch Berg — are looking to make an impact for the University of Toledo football team this season.
Anderson and Berg played together at St. John’s Jesuit, while Mitchell starred at Bowsher, with each player coming to Toledo in the 2017 class.
Anderson and Mitchell saw time on the field as true freshmen at safety and receiver, respectively, while Berg, an offensive lineman, redshirted last season.
“I think we have all progressed a lot in our own different ways,” Anderson said. “I feel like it’s been really good to come in here and see a familiar face every day. That really [put] us at ease because we weren’t worried, and we had someone to talk to after practice or during practice.”
Anderson played in every game last season, recording 30 tackles, three pass breakups, and one interception. By the end of the season, Anderson was a big contributor for the Rockets in the defensive backfield, and he played on special teams as well.
For Anderson, the speed of the game was something he needed to adjust to as he got more reps later in the season.
“When I first got here, the game was just so fast,” Anderson said. “The balls were coming out quicker, the receivers were a lot better than I faced. I think as far as that, the game has slowed down for me, and that’s the biggest thing. I’m a step ahead of the other guys that redshirted last year because I was in the games. I felt how big and quick the other guys were. That was big for me getting out there and being able to play.”
Mitchell also played all 14 games last season, tallying three catches for 41 yards in his limited role in a deep receiver group.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-3, 196-pound receiver, played behind star receivers in Cody Thompson, Diontae Johnson, and Jon’Vea Johnson.
He will play behind the talented trio again this season but said he will continue to pick up on little things from each in practice and in the film room.
“I feel like I’ve progressed a lot,” Mitchell said. “Watching Cody Thompson, Diontae Johnson, and Jon’Vea Johnson, they taught me a lot. I’m learning from them. I watch their technique and how hard they work and their work ethic. I pay attention real closely to stuff like that.”
Berg, who measures 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, got to see experienced tackles like Elijah Nkansah and Brant Weiss every day in practice.
“From last year, it helped learning behind Brant Weiss and Elijah Nkansah,” Berg said. “I learned to go hard no matter what. Even if you mess up, go hard. Then you have to pound in the technique over and over again, especially in the film room. That’s a big part of what they taught me is to get extra film work whenever you can.”
Berg said he can play either left or right tackle, and is approaching this spring with the mindset of challenging for a starting spot on the offensive line. It’s another deep and experienced group, but Berg is working hard to improve his fundamentals.
“I’m trying my best with my technique and trying to take everything in from the older guys, especially Brandon Heidecker and Cameron Bell, and taking the coaching of [offensive line coach Mike Hallett],” Berg said. “My goal is to fight for a starting spot.”
The transition to college life, let alone college football, can be daunting at times. But Anderson, Mitchell, and Berg have leaned on each other to make it easier.
“It’s fun,” Mitchell said. “It makes you feel more at home, and I have someone to relate to. Everybody is always talking about how it’s so cold and stuff like that, but we’re used to it. We just hang out a lot.”
The three have each said they enjoy playing for their hometown school.
“It’s an honor to play for my hometown,” Mitchell said. “It means a lot. You get to put on for your city and it feels special.”
“I love it and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Berg added.
Contact Brian Buckey at bbuckey@theblade.com, 419-724-6110, or on Twitter @BrianBuckey.
First Published March 30, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
