Ridgefield’s Mitchell works out for NFL scouts
STORRS — UConn football will have a new face of the program next year.
Senior linebacker Jackson Mitchell, also known as Mr. Connecticut, played his last game as a Husky in November. On Wednesday, Mitchell and nine teammates participated in UConn’s Pro Day in what was likely his last official event with the team.
Mitchell, a Ridgefield native, participated in various combine drills in front of scouts from 31 of the 32 NFL teams (only the Tennessee Titans were absent).
“I think it was a cool experience and has always been something I have dreamt about, being in that position,” Mitchell said. “Watching it for so many years and finally being able to go through it was really awesome and exciting. We had 31 NFL teams there so it was a great opportunity. I thought it went well and I am definitely glad that that part of the process is over and I can move forward.”
Mitchell has been the leading tackler for UConn since 2021. He had a team leading 113 tackles (56 solo) with one sack, an interception, a fumble recovery and one forced fumble for a 50yard touchdown last season. His 9.8 tackles per game was the 19th best in the FBS.
In his four year playing career, Mitchell finished with 438 total tackles (186 solo), seven and a half sacks, three interceptions, six forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. He ranks third all-time in tackles for UConn.
“We didn’t win as much as I would have liked in my time at UConn, but I definitely met some great people and great coaches,” Mitchell said. “I tried to leave my mark from a player perspective. It was honestly great and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way even with all the tough years. I learned a lot, especially about adversity and battling through.”
Wednesday marked the next step toward his potential realization of his dream of playing professional football, as well as a farewell of sorts to the program he has been with since 2019.
It has been a busy few months for Mitchell since UConn’s season ended with a 31-18 win over UMass, closing the door on his five year career. Mitchell was invited to two showcase games, and traveled to Texas to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
“(The Shrine Bowl) was really cool, I got a chance to sit down and meet all 32 NFL teams,” Mitchell said. “The coaches for our team were coaches across the NFL, so it was a cool experience to see how they coach and how they work through their practices and meetings. It was a good look into what an NFL coaching staff is like.”
According to NFLdraftbuzz.com, Mitchell is currently ranked as the 25th best linebacker and the 263rd draft prospect in the nation. He is projected to become an undrafted free agent. If Mitchell were to go undrafted, there is still hope for him.
Last year, three Huskies were signed as free agents shortly after the draft. A UConn player has been selected in the NFL draft in 14 of the last 19 seasons, the last being Travis Jones, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round in 2022.
Having graduated in December, Mitchell has returned home to Ridgefield where he will remain as he stays in shape and awaits the NFL draft beginning on April 25th.
Mitchell decided to forgo the draft following his junior season, as did AllAmerican offensive lineman Christian Haynes. The decision for both came on the heels of UConn’s most successful season in recent years, finishing 6-7 and appearing in a bowl game.
While the team regressed this past season with a 3-9 record, UConn’s scout day saw more NFL teams show up than in previous years.
“I think the program is in really great hands, coach Mora knows a lot about football and has a lot of experience,” Mitchell said. “He knows what needs to be done to correct things from last year and get the team back on track to what it was two years ago.”
Christian Haynes, the most likely draft candidate from UConn, and defensive lineman Eric Watts were both invited to the NFL combine in late February and early March.
Other UConn players showcasing their skills on Wednesday’s scout day were defensive linemen Sokoya McDuffie and Raashaan Wilkins Jr., offensive lineman Noel Ofori-Nyadu, linebacker Noah Plack, wide receiver/defensive back Geordon Porter and punters George Caratan and Bruno Perlicki.
Yale offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie was another headliner of the day and was joined by teammates, quarterback Nolan Grooms and wide receiver Mason Tipton.
Central Connecticut University sent cornerback Tyler Boatwright, wide receiver Davion Johnson, and linebacker Laquay Washington while University of New Haven was represented by tight end Kevin Foelsch and receiver Dev Holmes. Linebacker Brian Abraham of Albany and Wagner quarterback Steven Krajewski were also present in Storrs.