Power Five programs lined up for Quinyon Mitchell’s services.
Some came armed with sizeable name, image, and likeness offers, upwards of six figures.
But the All-American cornerback wasn’t interested, a rarity in college football’s new world order where NIL dollars often trump all. Mitchell, however, has a different outlook on his place in the sport.
“Toledo is home,” he said. “It’s where I want to finish. We said we want to run it back, so we’re going to run it back.”
The Williston, Fla., native was a three-star recruit, unheralded by Power Five standards but not at UT. The Rockets made him a priority and coaches knew they had a potential star, as Mitchell played all six games during his true freshman season, the shortened coronavirus season, and then started all 13 games in 2021.
His breakout performance came in Toledo’s near victory at Notre Dame, with Mitchell recording five tackles, two pass breakups, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one QB hurry. Still, there were questions about the secondary entering 2022 after Tycen Anderson and Sam Womack were drafted.
They were answered emphatically, as Mitchell keyed a unit that may have been better than the previous season. A four-interception bonanza at Northern Illinois put Mitchell on the national radar.
“Any time you have a shutdown corner and somebody who can eliminate the other team’s best receiver, you’re in great shape,” said college football savant Phil Steele.
Mitchell was named to four All-American teams after leading the country with 25 passes defended. He was eligible for the NFL draft last season but didn’t give it serious thought. According to Mitchell, he never considered transferring either.
“Q’s a great one and a very loyal guy,” Toledo coach Jason Candle said.
Mitchell did not enter the transfer portal despite a combination of fans and media wondering if the pull of home — the state of Florida or the South — would result in a change of scenery. Group of Five All-Americans aren’t common, and in an era where bigger schools with deep pockets can entice players and there’s no penalty for transferring, re-recruiting current players is a full-time job. (see: RayJ Dennis)
“The landscape has changed a ton,” Candle said. “We still lean heavily on relationships and having honest conversations with one another. I think a lot of problems in college football happen because a lot of people aren't honest with one another. It’s something that’s a pillar of who we are in our program — good men that stand on truthful principles.”
The outside noise was unavoidable for Mitchell, who did his best to tune it out. What wasn’t inescapable was his fondness for Toledo’s coaches — even those on offense — and his teammates.
“I just know who I am and the player I am, so I paid no attention to it,” Mitchell said. “I would say no because of what we have at Toledo. It’s bigger than money. I’m not chasing money.”
On3’s NIL database lists Mitchell’s annual earnings value at $106,000. His bottom line would increase if he was an All-American at a more marketable brand. And if that’s what Mitchell wanted, he could have it. Instead, he’s content to shine at Toledo and lean on the relationships that make UT a comfortable outpost.
This will be Mitchell’s fourth full season, but he’ll have the option to use a fifth and final year in 2024 thanks to coronavirus. The chances of that happening are miniscule, though, as his draft stock surges. Mitchell is currently projected to be a third- or fourth-round pick, a number that could improve this season. Of course, Mitchell has surprised spectators before.
“There’s an attraction to always looking at the crash in the race,” Candle said. “That’s just people that don’t understand our culture, don’t understand our program, don’t understand our kids’ makeup, don’t understand their loyalty to each other. I think we’ve created a really good culture that’s proven to let guys reach their full potential.”
Good luck finding an objection from Mitchell, whose loyalty and attachment to UT are genuine.
“We have a good culture and good coaches,” he said. “The coaches and players bond. It was the right decision to stay.”
First Published August 23, 2023, 4:58 p.m.
