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Thread: recruiting Brian Mitchell February 7, 1986

  1. Default recruiting Brian Mitchell February 7, 1986

    The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)


    February 7, 1986

    Top prospects also wanted for academic skills


    Author: Joe Macaluso


    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE STATE TIMES
    Section: Sports
    Page: 1-C






    Index Terms:
    ALL STATE PREP
    BIOGRAPHY
    RECORD



    Estimated printed pages: 9



    Article Text:

    You don't talk high school football recruiting these days without talking numbers: 48, 30, 15, 700 and 2.0.

    The State-Times canvassed the state's 10 college football staffs for the 12th annual Top Prospects List. What the coaches or recruiting coordinators discovered was that none of those numbers have anything to do with how fast a star high school senior traverses 40 yards, how much any of them weigh, their height, or how many yards passing, rushing or receiving the prized recruits totaled in their senior seasons.

    It has to do with academic eligibility mandated for the first year under the NCAA's famous, or infamous depending on your particular point of view, Proposition 48. It's in the NCAA manual now, so it's Rule 48.

    The signing limit is still 30, but what most coaches found out is there are several of the state's best players who can't, for one reason or another, meet the requirements of "core" curriculum, a 2.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum score of 15 in the ACT exam or 700 in the SAT test.

    The NCAA allows a sliding scale this year with tolerances for higher grade point averages to the prospective student-athlete's ACT or SAT scores. But, if a prospect doesn't meet these requirements, then he sits out his entire freshman year, practices and all.

    Simple enough, right?

    "What we've found it that a lot of kids just weren't prepared to take either test," said one recruiter. "Sometime in October, a lot of them realized the tests were a vital part of the future. Most of them heeded the warning after that.

    "In past seasons," he continued, "they just went through the motions for the ACT or the SAT. This year most of them took it seriously."

    One coach said a high school advisor found a way to "beat" the system. It came when an athlete did not have the background in natural science and/or social science to go along with math and English to make the grade on the ACT test. He said the athlete then took the SAT test, which has only math and English sections.

    "Our problem," said another coach, "was that some of them failed to realize the importance of the national tests until it was too late. Some of them are taking the test for the first time this coming weekend. Unless he is an exceptional player, we might not take the chance to waiting on him. It's a tricky situation."

    It's even worse for the seven Division I-A schools.

    "I've never in my life, and I've been in coaching for 20 years, have found it so difficult," said a head coach at one of the seven Division I-A schools.

    "We've got our commitments and it looks like we'll get what we need, but we've never been caught in such a pinch. Because of the new rules, the big schools are recruiting talent they never would have in past years. They're taking kids a little shorter, a little lighter and a little slower... the ones who have grades and test scores.

    "Then, because the Division II schools have no such restrictions (NCAA Division II and III schools are exempt from Rule 48) they're in on some of these kids, too. And, because we have a scholarship limit of 70, we can't afford to take many, if any at all, who'll have to sit out a year. It was a tough change-over from our previous recruiting practices."

    But, when the staffs fanned out across the state in the fall, what they found was enough talent to dry the tears shed because of Rule 48.

    "It's a good year," remarked one recruiting coordinator. "With a rare exception, we were able to find the kinds of kids we needed.

    "What I've noticed it a trend towards more available linemen in the state in the last few years. Used to be big linemen who could play were few and far between. That's not the case this year."

    Case in point are Ouachita Christian's exceptional duo of Mike Shepherd and Steve Hudson, both of whom, coaches predict, could play on either side of the ball; and, All-American Warde Manuel of Brother Martin.

    And there are quarterbacks, too, the most the Top Prospects List has carried in six years. There are three of them -- Ouachita Christian's record-setter Sol Graves, Plaquemine's pass-run threat Brain Mitchell and John Ehret's "Mr. Everything" Leonard Valentine.

    Louisiana has never lacked for skill-position prospects and filling out that list this year are running backs Leroy Hoard of Brother Martin; Leesville Eddie Fuller, who brings the most unusual story to the list; Ruston's multi-talented back Tony Houston; blazing-fast wide receiver James Toney from Archbishop Shaw; equally quick defensive back Travis Oliver from Walker; and, John Curtis tight end Steve Clark.

    Among these dozen players, none are considered academic risks. There were several exceptional players in the state who were not considered for the Top Prospects List. The reasoning behind that is a Top Prospect/Blue Chip player is one who can arrive on campus and help the program in his freshman year. If a player has to sit out that season because he can't meet requirements of Rule 48, then they can meet the criteria for a Top Prospect.

    Here a capsuled look at the State-Times Top Prospects in the 1986 graduating class:

    STEVE CLARK, TE, 6-5, 225, John Curtis -- An excellent student (3.7 gpa) with height and weight ideal for a tight end. Coaches like work habits and attitude. Good blocker with average speed but excellent hands and can catch the ball in a crowd. Class AAA All-State tight end. Visited UCLA, Auburn and Texas and will make a trip to Tulane. Will not sign on Feb. 12.

    EDDIE FULLER, RB, 5-11, 203, Leesville -- High school coach Jack Andre likens him to Dalton Hilliard. He should know; he coached both of them at the high school level. Unknown before senior season because he did not play football until transferring from Rosepine to Leesville after junior year. Coaches like great leg strength, speed and ability to cut start and stop and start again. Good first step. Is first-rate receiver, too. The state's Quad-A MVP. Has nine-game stats of 1,584 yardsand 28 TDs. Plays basketball and is good enough in baseball that scouts considering him for major league draft. Committed to LSU.

    SOL GRAVES, QB, 6-4, 200, Ouachita Christian -- The only doubt coaches have about him is competition he faced in Class A ranks. Exceptionally strong arm. Is an excellent student (3.7 gpa) and has 4.7 speed in 40. Was Class A MVP in state after throwing for 3,714 yards and a national high school-record 50 TDs. The old record was 42 held by ex-L.A. Rams QB Pat Haden. Son of former LSU safety White Graves. Coaches like his decision-making ability on the field. Has committed to LSU.

    LEROY HOARD, RB, 5-11, 200, St. Augustine -- Said to be the best back to come out of New Orleans since Reggie Dupard and Garry James. Was the National Circle of Champions honoree as the best player in the state. Workable grades. Great speed and very elusive runner. Had 1,211 yards in regular season against good N.O. Catholic League defenses. Has narrowed choices to Nebraska, Michigan and Tulane. Will not sign on Feb. 12.

    TONY HOUSTON, WR-DB, 6-2, 185, Ruston -- An excellent prospect with 4.5 speed, good hands and good vision. Coaches like him because he's at full speed after first step. Was All-State wide receiver, but also played outstanding defense and could start as a freshman at free or strong safety. At wingback, he caught 34 passes for over 600 yards and ran for 500 more. A good hitter. Could also be first-rate punt and kick returner. Excellent student. Has narrowed choices to Notre Dame, Texas and Texas A&M.

    STEVE HUDSON, DL, 6-6, 230, Ouachita Christian -- Foot speed is extraordinary for a big youngster. Runs 40 in 4.7. Was All-State defensive lineman, but could also play linebacker. Coaches say more time in weight room will bulk him up to become prototype college defensive end where he belongs. Excellent student. Choices down to LSU and Arkansas. Was expected to announce commitment today.

    WARDE MANUEL, DL, 6-5, 250, Brother Martin -- Attracted lots of attention as only state player on Parade All-America list. A Lindy first-team All-South player. Quad-A All-State defensive lineman. Some coaches say he makes top lists because of sheer potential. time in weight room this summer will improve chances to play as a freshman. Coaches say he lacks a bit in upper body strength, but is very talented athlete with good technique, speed and ability to learn quickly. Top-flight student. A national recruit who settled on Michigan Thursday night.

    BRIAN MITCHELL, QB, 5-11, 180, Plaquemine -- Not as big as some coaches would like for a quarterback, but nearly every staff among the state's colleges like him for his exceptional athletic ability. Has excellent speed with strong arm. And, coaches say, his knowledge of the game is solid for a young man his age. Class AAA's Outstanding Offensive Player last season. Coaches also like his ability to make intelligent decision on the field. If need be, could use speed at wide out or defensive back. Threw for over 2,000 yards and had 21 TDs. Has a better than 3.0 gpa in the classroom. It's said he's learning towards USL but also had LSU, Tulane, Arkansas and Northeast on his list.

    TRAVIS OLIVER, DB, 6-0, 180, Walker -- Blessed with speed, a factor which coaches say could make him an instant starter in some defensive backfields. Runs 40 in 4.4 and when combined with ability to hit, it makes him a first-rate prospect. A player whose stock rose because of his performance in senior season. Very aggressive. Good student, too. Has narrowed choices to LSU, Tulane, Florida but reportedly will make decision on other two visits among Ohio State, Ole Miss, Illinois and Cal.

    MIKE SHEPHERD, OL-DL, 6-4, 255, Ouachita Christian -- Possibly the most highly sought offensive lineman in the state. Coaches rate him the best player in North Louisiana. Size and speed could also make him a star defensive lineman in college. Coaches like his quick feet. Hard worker with reported 3.6 gpa in the classroom. Naturally strong say coaches. Down to LSU and Arkansas. Was expected to announce commitment today.

    JAMES TONEY, WR, 6-0, 175, Archbishop Shaw -- Matches 4.4-4.5 speed with excellent hands. has 34 catches for 661 yards (a near 20-yard average) and 6 TDs. Coaches also like his concentration in running pass routes and catching the ball. Doesn't seem to be afraid of catching ball over the middle. A tough player. Is considering LSU, Tennessee and Tulane.

    LEONARD VALENTINE, QB, 6-2, 185, John Ehret -- Rated as an excellent arm with plenty enough speed to handle quarterback job in any offense. Passed for 1,360 yards and ran for 600 more. No ACT or SAT test scores yet. While some coaches like him at quarterback, there are some who believe he is better suited for defense. Committed to LSU.

    The list of prospects doesn't stop there. The State-Times has 20 more prospects who are outstanding prospects and coaches say could use a year in the college football atmosphere to work their way to becoming first-rate players. It could be because grades would make some of them "special admits" under the Proposition 48 guidelines. If they are, they would be ineligible in their freshman years. Coaches indicate there are four such players on this list. There are 16 who will have little or noproblem qualifying under "48" will be denoted by an asterisk:

    KENNETH BURTON* -- WR, 6-2, 180, St. Augustine: Was best receiver prospect in state until injury early last season left him with little playing time. OK now. Committed to Northeast.

    CLIFFORD CHAMP -- LB, 6-3, 205, St. Martinville: very aggressive and tough player. Has good mobility. USL, Grambling, Texas A&M interested.

    JASON DELMORE* -- LB-RB, 6-2, 220, East Ascension: Coaches would rather see him at inside linebacker, but could also turn out to be big fullback. Good basketball player.

    DERRICK DOUGLAS -- RB, 5-10, 180, Captain Shreve: small, but very elusive and averaged over 9 yards a carry in senior year. Visited Oklahoma, Houston and Northeast and has expressed interest in LSU.

    CHUCK GORMAN* -- TE, 6-4, 215, La Grange: Coaches like blocking ability. A hard-nosed kid who needs more beef to become major college tight end. Has speed to be possession-type wide out. LSU, Tulane, La. Tech in running.

    BRAD GUIDRY* -- LB, 6-4, 225, Cecilia: size and speed make him perfect outside linebacker, but needs to perfect technique. Committed to Tulane.

    DEXTER HARRISON* -- DL, 6-3, 230, St. Martinville: could also play TE, but aggressiveness and ability to hit suit him for defense. Needs more weight to play in line. USL, Texas A&M, Northeast interested.

    JAY MAYET* -- OL-LB, 6-2, 230, South Lafourche: Coaches would like him at offensive guard. Has speed to lead sweeps. Committed to LSU.

    LARRY MEDICE* -- OL, 6-4, 275, DeLaSalle: Coaches would like to rearrange weight but like him because he's show he can carry weight and play well. Committed to Nebraska, but visited Oklahoma since commitment.

    DARRYL MILBURN* -- TE, 6-4, 210, McKinley: Can add weight and become effective tight end. Good hands, speed and it hard-nosed. Appears headed to Grambling.

    BLAKE MILLER* -- OL, 6-4, 250, Alexandria: Size best asset. Coaches say he needs work on techniques but should be solid player. LSU, La. Tech, Northeast and Arkansas are in running.

    JIM POIRRIER* -- K-DB, 6-0, 180, St. Martinville: Has kicked a 57-yard field goal and averaged 41 yards per punt. All-State kicker. A good defensive back, too. McNeese State has a good shot as does USL. Visited Texas A&M.

    HENRY POWELL* -- RB-LB, 6-1, 205, Ponchatoula: Athletic ability, attitude, determination big assets. Hard-nosed player who will have to bulk-up to play linebacker. A 1,000-yard runner who had 100 tackles on defense. Son of ex-Bogalusa star "Tank" Powell. Committed to Northeast.

    BRIAN PUCKETT* -- OL, 6-5, 260, Ouachita: good prospect who coaches say needs to improve overall strength. good speed. Summer training will help. Committed to LSU.

    KIRK RUSSELL* -- LB, 6-0, 210, John Curtis: Could beef up to handle inside linebacker chores. Class AAA All-State. Good student and smart player. Houston, Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M in running.

    ALFRED SANCHEZ* -- RB, 6-2, 210, LaGrange: Good all-around athlete who has skills to be back or wide out. Tulane and LSU interested.

    DERRICK SAULSBERRY -- RB, 5-10, 180, Thibodaux: main problem is size, but coaches believe 4.5 speed can compensate. Could be wide out, too. Visited Tulane, La. Tech and Texas A&M. Will visit LSU this weekend.

    DERON SMITH -- QB, 6-5, 200, Destrehan: top-notch quarterback with strong arm and good speed.

    MIKE STONEBREAKER* -- LB, 6-0, 205, John Curtis: With Russell formed a solid linebacking corps for Curtis. Class AAA's Outstanding Defensive Player last season. Determination, hard-hitting ability and speed are plusses. Size in minus. Son of ex-N.O. Saint Steve Stonebreaker. Will visit LSU and has made trips to UCLA, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.

    ROD WEST* -- LB-DE, 6-2, 220, Brother Martin: Metro defensive player of the year in N.O. Good speed and a big-play man. Michigan, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Tulane on his list.

    And, there are others who have attracted the interest of major colleges at one stage of the recruiting period. They are, with positions, high school and college commitment, if one, in parentheses:

    Mike Book, TE, Erath

    Ben Brown, QB, Green Oaks

    Danny Buckingham, OL-DL, Captain Shreve (Grambling)

    Vaughn Calbert, RB, Bunkie

    Simmie Carter, RB-DB, West Jefferson

    Brian Castle, DL, Jonesboro-Hodge

    Roosevelt Collins, TE-DE, B.T. Washington-Shreveport

    Obie Davis, DL, Washington-Marion

    Paul Demarie, RB, Barbe

    Todd Dilworth, OL, John Curtis

    Jeff Easterly, OL, Woodlawn-Baton Rouge

    Mark Guerriero, WR, St. Frederick's

    Eddie Ray Jackson, RB, Vidalia

    Andre Kuykendall, RB, Jeanerette

    Jerry Melton, DB-QB, Ruston

    Vincent Mulmore, LB, Higgins

    Gerrick Muse, LB, Woodlawn-Shreveport (Grambling)

    Steve Reading, OL, John Curtis

    Jay Rink, LB, Brother Martin

    Casino Smith, DB, Ouachita Christian

    John Spann, RB-LB, Ouachita Christian

    Paul Summerlin, TE-OL, Vandebilt CHS

    Andy Treadway, OL, Tioga

    Keith Whitley, RB, Ferriday


    Caption:
    7 pictures of blue chip high school football players
    PHOTO





    Copyright 1986 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 217709


  2. Default Replacing Brian Mitchell August 29, 1990

    The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)


    August 29, 1990

    Ragin' Cajuns pleased with Freeman's progress


    Author: J.C. HATCHER
    ACADIANA BUREAU

    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE MORNING ADVOCATE
    Section: Sports
    Page: 2-D;S
    Dateline: LAFAYETTE





    Index Terms:
    RAGIN CAJUNS
    FOOTBALL
    BIOGRAPHY



    Estimated printed pages: 2



    Article Text:

    LAFAYETTE -- Southwestern Louisana coach Nelson Stokley doesn't seem to be as worried about the Cajuns' quarterback position as he was three weeks ago.

    In the spring, no one was quite sure how the quarterback situation was going to be settled. Entering preseason practice, the job to replace the record-setting Brian Mitchell was James Freeman's to lose. And he didn't lose it.

    "I think James has made some tremendous strides during the last couple of weeks," Stokley said. "I think he is a much more polished quarterback at this time than he was in the spring."

    Freeman was a Proposition 48 athlete as a freshman and was redshirted last year as a sophomore. Thus, the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder, has never taken a snap in a college game.

    "I think he is more confident," Stokley said. "He is throwing the ball extremely well and beginning to develop some touch with the football in throwing it and we feel good about him playing good Saturday night."

    USL opens the season Saturday at Tulane. The kickoff is 7 p.m.

    But Stokley noted that it had been two years since Freeman has been in a game.

    "We expect him to play well Saturday and I know he is looking forward to it," said Stokley. "He hasn't played in two years, so this is going to be an exciting time for him.

    "I think he is going to be extremely nervous, there's no doubt about that. We are going to have to help him as much as we can as an offensive coaching staff. We are going to have to try to keep the pressure off him as much as we can. So, we might be very unpredictable at certain times on the football field and not ask him to do anything heroic especially early in the game."

    Tulane coach Greg Davis said he is glad his squad will not have to face Mitchell again. Mitchell is now a running back with the NFL's Washington Redskins.

    "Without question, Brian Mitchell brought something to their offense that you just couldn't put a handle on, " Davis said. "There's no way a scout team quarterback could simulate the things Brian Mitchell could do.

    "He could take a play that was defensed rather well and reverse his field and through outstanding athletic ability he could go and make something happen."

    But USL quarterback coach Don Jones, who coached Mitchell for four years at Plaquemine High and four years with the Ragin' Cajuns, is quick to point out that Freeman is not Mitchell.

    "He's James Freeman," Jones said. "He's a completely different type of quarterback and a different type of individual and he progressed 100 percent already this year."

    While Mitchell used the Cajuns' run-and-shoot offense for option purposes, Stokley and Jones both said that running the ball will not be Freeman's forte. He is a good runner, but a better passer.

    While Mitchell looked like a running back playing quarterback, Freeman looks like a quarterback all the way.

    "He's going to be a great one in his own right," Jones said of the Ville Platte native. "He can throw deep, he's developed his short passing game and he's strong enough to be a big threat running the ball. Like any young player, he's going to make mistakes, but we're going to let him play and get comfortable in the position as much as we can."

    Starting on offense with Freeman will be running back Wayde Butler, wingback P.D. Broussard, fullback Keenan Thomas and wide receivers Quent McCollum and Corey Williams. All but Thomas started last year.

    The offensive line will have Louis Age and Paul Norton at tackles, Roderick Tripp and Adam Johnson at guards and Troy Wingerter at center. All were starters last season.


    Caption:
    James Freeman
    PHOTO

    Copyright 1990 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 1305848


  3. Default

    USL begins search for Mitchell's successor today


    By ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES

    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE MORNING ADVOCATE
    Section: Sports
    Page: 2-D
    Dateline: LAFAYETTE





    Index Terms:
    COLLEGE
    RAGIN CAJUNS



    Estimated printed pages: 2



    Article Text:

    LAFAYETTE -- The search for the next Brian Mitchell begins Thursday.

    And, since it will be incredibly difficult to replace the greatest offensive threat in University of Southwestern Louisiana football history, the quarterback position will likely draw most of the attention when the Ragin' Cajuns open spring practice for the 1990 season on Thursday.

    USL athletic director and head football coach Nelson Stokley will welcome approximately 90 players to practice Thursday at 3:30 p.m. for the first of 20 scheduled sessions during the month of March.

    "We're anxious to get started," said Stokley, who will be opening his fifth spring as Cajun football mentor. "And I think our kids are ready to get going again. They've been working very hard in our off-season program, and they're ready to get things rolling."

    The Cajuns will work out on Thursday and Friday prior to a quick first spring scrimmage on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Cajun Field. USL will hold four other scrimmages on Saturday mornings during March prior to the annual "Cajun Bowl" Red-White Spring Game which is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, at Cajun Field. That spring contest will be part of USL's Spring Festival Weekend with two days of activities set for that weekend surrounding the end of spring practice.

    The Cajun squad, coming off a 7-4 season -- its best since 1982 -- and a fourth straight winning campaign under Stokley, has a total of 21 full- or part-time starters returning from the 1989 unit that won three of its last four games. However, gone is Mitchell, the quarterback that shattered virtually every Cajun offensive record during his senior year and his four-year career while also etching his name in the NCAA record books several times.

    "You obviously don't replace an athlete like Brian Mitchell," Stokley said, "but we feel that we have some very talented athletes that will be able to step in and have an impact there. In our offense, the quarterback is very important, and it will be spring practice that will determine where we'll proceed going into the upcoming season."

    The front-runner entering spring drills is sophomore James Freeman of Ville Platte, who redshirted last season after signing with the Cajuns two years ago as one of the state's most highly regarded players. However, senior Jeff Miller will also be in the hunt at the post along with an assortment of newcomers.

    "It will be interesting to see what happens," said Stokley. "We've got a lot of competition there, and really we've got that at a lot of places on our football team. That's something we didn't have a couple of years ago, and that's going to make it an interesting set of practices."

    The Cajun squad will work out every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, weather permitting, along with two Thursday practices during the first two weeks. All Saturday scrimmages are open to the public.






    Copyright 1990 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 1270528


  4. Default

    The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)


    August 9, 1990

    Enthusiastic Ragin' Cajun newcomers open fall drills


    By ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES

    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE MORNING ADVOCATE
    Section: SPORTS
    Page: 3-D;S
    Dateline: LAFAYETTE





    Index Terms:
    COLLEGE
    FOOTBALL



    Estimated printed pages: 1



    Article Text:

    LAFAYETTE -- Southwestern Louisiana freshmen had their first day in action as they went through morning and afternoon practice sessions on Wednesday.

    "With the limited number of players that we have working out now," said USL coach Nelson Stokley, "we're working out the offense in the morning and the defense in the afternoon."

    The Cajuns' incoming class has 25 players going through the early orientation until the returnees from last year's 7-4 squad join the activities on Saturday.

    "We have some very enthusiastic young men on the field right now," said Stokley. "And because there are so few, it'll be a lot easier for our staff to learn about each individual."

    Wednesday was the first of a three-day program for the incoming freshmen.

    "We're not expecting anything of these young men from the start," Stokley said. "They're here right now to learn the USL system and get to know our coaches better. Certainly, they have a chance to excel, but we don't want them to put any pressure on themselves. These players have been made aware of the numbers that are coming back from last year's team."

    Nine starters return on each side of the line from the Cajuns 1989 club. Brian Mitchell and Felton Parquet are the departures from the offense. Keith Annulis and Dexter Gatewood leave vacancies for two defensive slots.

    The freshman will continue two-a-day workouts through Friday, and practices are open to the public.






    Copyright 1990 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 1301999

    Homes SO Clean

  5. Default

    The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)


    March 31, 1990

    USL seeks new quarterback in today's Cajun Bowl


    Author: J.C. HATCHER
    ACADIANA BUREAU

    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE MORNING ADVOCATE
    Section: Sports
    Page: 8-D
    Dateline: LAFAYETTE





    Index Terms:
    COLLEGE



    Estimated printed pages: 2



    Article Text:

    LAFAYETTE -- Southwestern Louisiana will stage its seventh annual Cajun Bowl Red and White spring football game Saturday with the White team rated as a slight favorite.

    The game will start at 1 p.m. at Cajun Field and is a part of Spring Fest '90, a weekend-long slate of activities sponsored by the university's "S Club" alumni group.

    USL has spent the bulk of its spring practice sessions trying to fill the void left by departed quarterback Brian Mitchell, the Plaquemine native who established school and NCAA records for his versatility during his four-year career.

    Only seven seniors are gone from the the 1989 team that posted a 7-4 record after three straight 6-5 seasons. Mitchell is USL's leader in nearly every offensive department and the only player in NCAA history to rush for 3,000 yards and throw for 5,000 yards in a career. He also is the national leader in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.

    "You don't replace a Brian Mitchell," said USL head coach Nelson Stokley. "But I've been very pleased with the progress our quarterbacks and all of our offensive people have made during the spring. We knew our defense would be very solid, and they've been that way throughout the spring."

    Ville Platte's James Freeman, a redshirt sophomore; Jeff Miller, a senior from Houston; Joey Hunt, a redshirt freshman from Apopka, Fla., and Keddric Gasaway, a redshirt freshman from Sulphur, have staged a heated battle for the starting quarterback job.

    Freeman (6-2, 207 pounds) will lead the White team in today's game. He is considered to be the best thrower of the group.

    "He can be a great thrower, a great quarterback if he will just do what we tell him and take what the defense gives him," said offensive coordinator Barry Wilson, who brought the Cajuns' run-and-shoot offense to Acadiana with him in December 1985.

    Freeman has impressed USL outside linebacker coach Jerry Beach. "I'll bet that he can throw the ball 80 yards," Beach said. "At one of our scrimmages, he threw the ball 60 yards off his back foot."

    Miller (6-1, 211) is a rugged runner. He signed with Nebraska out of Cypress Fairbanks High School and then transferred to USL for his final two years of eligibility. Miller is considered the best runner of the quarterbacks.

    Freeman will be throwing to wingback Wayde Butler, who had 41 catches last season, running back P.D. Broussard, and wide receivers Tim Delhomme, Ray Ronquillo, and Corey Williams.

    The White's offensive line will be anchored by center Chip Morgan. Roderick Tripp will be at one guard and Joe Harris at one tackle.

    Joining Miller on the Red offensive team will be wide receivers Quent McCollum (who caught 42 passes last year) and Lester Mitchell, wingbacks Rodney Lloyd, and Adrian Head, and lineman Troy Wingerter at center and Louis Age and Paul Norton at the tackles.

    The Reds hold a slight edge in defense with safety Van Ray Alexander, cornerback John Wolfe, safety Rocky Guidry, linebacker Lamar Evans, end Dwayne Fontenette, nose guard Terrence Matthews and tackle Dwayne Schroeder leading the way.

    Tackle James Atkins from Amite and linebacker Jonas Francois from St. Martinvillek lead the White team's defense.

    Joining them will be cornerback Danny Guidry, cornerback Donald Collins, linebacker Rudolph Pennimon, nose guard Blake Meischen, end Robert Arvie, and tackle LaQuincy Phillips.

    Mike Lemoine will be the Red team's kicker and Kim Hebert will punt for the Whites.






    Copyright 1990 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 1276633

    Homes SO Clean

  6. Default

    The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.)


    April 20, 1990

    Mitchell likely won't be quarterback in NFL


    Author: George Morris


    Edition: THE BATON ROUGE STATE TIMES
    Section: SPORTS
    Page: 4-E






    Index Terms:
    BIOGRAPHY
    SERIES



    Estimated printed pages: 3



    Article Text:

    Brian Mitchell knows he's not Terrence Jones.

    When Jones, the former Tulane quarterback, was drafted by the NFL's San Diego Chargers in 1988 and told they wanted him to play another position, he bolted to the Canadian Football League.

    Mitchell had a spectacular four-year career at Southwestern Louisiana -- and, like Jones, he was a dual-threat quarterback. As a senior, he was 12th among major college rushers (119.18 yards per game) and fourth in total offense (297.91 yards per game).

    Unlike Jones, though, Mitchell is not 6 feet 1. He is 5-10 and 198 pounds, a build poorly suited for a league that asks its quarterbacks to drop back behind linemen who are seven and eight inches taller.

    So, when NFL coaches ask Mitchell about a switch, he doesn't hang up the phone.

    "When they ask me what position I would like to play if I couldn't play quarterback, I say running back," Mitchell said. "I've been running the ball since I was in sixth grade. That's all I did here, just about. I ran more than anything else."

    Just where -- or if -- Mitchell will start running in the NFL will be determined Sunday or Monday in the league's annual draft of college talent. He's one of several state college players whose name is likely to be called by one of the 28 teams.

    LSU has the most draft prospects, but other schools have their share. Grambling receiver Fred Jones and quarterback Clemente Gordon, Northeast Louisiana tight end Jackie Harris, Tulane defensive back Mitchell Price and Louisiana Tech outside linebacker Eldonta Osborne have at least 50-50 chances of making an NFL roster, according to draft analyst Joel Buchsbaum.

    Other state college players who have received long looks from scouts include safety Harvey Wilson, defensive end Dexter Blackmon and wide receive Elliott Searcy of Southern; running back Derrick Douglas, inside linebacker Glenell Sanders, cornerback James Jones and place-kicker Matt Stover of Tech; Nicholls State cornerback Dee Thomas and defensive back Winford Bryant; Tulane running back Michael Pierce; Northwestern State running back Ken Dewitt, receiver Al Edwards cornerbacks Randy Hilliard and Dennis Smith; Grambling defensive tackle Terrence Sanders and Tulane outside linebacker Lonnie Marts.

    Except for Douglas, who could end up at fullback or halfback, and the defensive backs, those players have a pretty good idea what position they might play in the NFL. Not so with Mitchell.

    He's been a quarterback ever since he began high school in Plaquemine, and in pre-draft workouts for 22 teams, all but Green Bay at least looked at him there. But all those teams said, at best, he'd be considered as a third quarterback whose regular duties would be elsewhere.

    Where elsewhere? It depends.

    He's been tried as a wide receiver, running back and slotback. He's also been given a look as a cornerback, although Mitchell says he prefers to play offense.

    "I can't say what position they want me at," Mitchell said. "It's a job now. I'll just have to do what they want me to do."

    Mitchell's athletic ability gives him that option. He long-jumped 23 feet 7 inches in high school, where he also played basketball and baseball early until deciding to concentrate on football and track. He worked well in USL's run-and-shoot offense. As a senior, though, his passing was erratic; Mitchell completed 143 of 312 passes and was picked off 19 times. He threw six touchdown passes.

    There also is the matter of size, although Mitchell might fit in as a passing-down receiver. Mitchell said coaches have been impressed with his catching ability in workouts.

    "I feel my endurance is good," Mitchell said. "I've taken a lot of licks."

    It would be a blow to Mitchell if he is not selected Sunday, when the first half of the draft is expected to be completed.

    "Anything on the first day I would be happy," Mitchell said. "I'm taking this kind of low key. I've been a quarterback for eight years, and now they're going to draft me to play another position. I feel if I can go in the first six rounds I'll be happy because, hey, I'll be at a new position and they'll be taking a big chance. On the second day, I would be kind of disappointed."


    Caption:
    Brian Mitchell in action (File photo)
    PHOTO




    Memo:
    90 DRAFT PREVIEW SERIES

    Copyright 1990 Capital City Press, Baton Rouge, La.
    Record Number: 1280593

    Homes SO Clean

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