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2010 NFL Combine Preview- Vol V 'Mentality to Play a Key in Future Success: Carlton Mitchell'
http://draftnasty.com/index.php?cID=1210
February 24th, 2010 By De'Angelo Bryant
Former South Florida playmaker Carlton Mitchell is one of nine underclassmen wide receivers that will be showcasing his talents in front of general managers, coaches, and scouts at the NFL Combine. Mitchell averaged just over 15 yards per reception, while leading the Golden Bulls two of the three years in receiving. While the 6’3 speedster is currently rated the 7th best WR prospect on DraftNasty’s position board, he will look to improve his stock when he takes the field in Indianapolis. We were able to catch up with Mitchell to get his thoughts surrounding his mentality and focus for the NFL Draft.
Q: What did you base your decision to leave school early on?
A: I based it on my commitment and my love for the game. I know I am ready because I am going to work harder than anyone. I know everyone says that, but I'll just let my actions prove it. Whatever the challenges are, I know I'm going to overcome them because this is who I am.
Q: It was evident this season you were the big play guy for your team (85 yard TD against Syracuse and 69 yard TD West Virginia), is that something you pride yourself on doing?
A: I want to win every game. Whatever I have to do to help my team win I am going to do. I take pride in winning. I HATE TO LOSE.
Q: How does it make you feel to walk around the state of Florida knowing that South Florida is mentioned among the traditional schools such as Miami, FSU, and Florida?
A: Our Program is up and coming and to be mentioned among these teams is something very special to me. It says a lot about our program and our coaches.
Q: After QB Matt Grothe went down with a season ending injury, what thoughts were going through your head? Did you feel you needed to step up more as a leader?
A. Grothe injury was a very tuff situation for me, seeing a teammate I care about in pain and unable to do what he loves to do is hard to watch. He was a great leader on our team from day one and extremely tuff, he would play through any injury. I knew I had to step up on every level and be strong for my teammates.
Q: Has the NFL always been a dream for you?
A: The minute I started playing in high school I dreamed of playing on Sundays. I love football. This is what I am.
Q: What are a few attributes you feel you can bring to an NFL team?
A: I bring big play ability to the game with my combination of size, speed and quickness as well as my commitment and mindset. I am willing to do whatever it takes to win. I love to watch film and knowing my opponent is very important to me. Whatever advantage I can find, I will.
Q: Most NFL scouts are intrigued by your size, how do you use your size as an advantage in competition?
A: I use my size to create separation. My strength and ability helps me shield off defenders, out jump them and out run them. My strength also helps me be a better blocker.
Q: What are some things you feel you need to improve on before you go to Indianapolis?
A: There are many things I want to improve on. I want to get stronger, faster, and be the most complete WR. It takes a lot to be a complete WR. I need to improve my route running, explosiveness, and strength. You can never be satisfied where you are in your ability. There will always be someone better then you. So you have to always be working on gaining an advantage.
Q: Are there any personal goals you have set for yourself while you are training for your pre-draft workouts?
A: I want to show I am the most complete WR and I am a PRO. It is not just speed that makes a WR. It's the mentality and will.
Q: If Carlton Mitchell wasn't a football player, what other sport would you have played?
A: Baseball was my first sport I ever played, but I really can't see myself doing anything other than playing football.
Q: Who would you compare yourself to at the next level and why?
A: I don't compare myself. I take a little bit from everyone and I admire the style of many of the greats-Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Larry Fitzgerald. All of the greats are great because of their own play.
Q: This year seems to be filled with big junior WR prospects such as Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Dezmon Briscoe, and Arrelious Benn. What abilities do you think you have that may separate you from those guys?
A: I can't compare myself to them. I can only look at my own game, because I have a lot to prove at the next level. The way I stretch the field, my second gear, my ability to separate myself either through speed or strength. I also have the versatility to play in every role- x, y, z and even as a decoy. I take pride in knowing my opponent and I know I will overcome any defender I go up against.
Q: How has going against players such as CB Jerome Murphy and S Nate Allen developed your game?
A: Mike Jenkins (My Freshman Year) Jerome Murphy and Nate Allen I think are the best at their position, and going up against them every day makes me work harder to be the best.
Got an item? Please send an email to PR@draftynasty.com
http://draftnasty.com/index.php?cID=1210
February 24th, 2010 By De'Angelo Bryant
Former South Florida playmaker Carlton Mitchell is one of nine underclassmen wide receivers that will be showcasing his talents in front of general managers, coaches, and scouts at the NFL Combine. Mitchell averaged just over 15 yards per reception, while leading the Golden Bulls two of the three years in receiving. While the 6’3 speedster is currently rated the 7th best WR prospect on DraftNasty’s position board, he will look to improve his stock when he takes the field in Indianapolis. We were able to catch up with Mitchell to get his thoughts surrounding his mentality and focus for the NFL Draft.
Q: What did you base your decision to leave school early on?
A: I based it on my commitment and my love for the game. I know I am ready because I am going to work harder than anyone. I know everyone says that, but I'll just let my actions prove it. Whatever the challenges are, I know I'm going to overcome them because this is who I am.
Q: It was evident this season you were the big play guy for your team (85 yard TD against Syracuse and 69 yard TD West Virginia), is that something you pride yourself on doing?
A: I want to win every game. Whatever I have to do to help my team win I am going to do. I take pride in winning. I HATE TO LOSE.
Q: How does it make you feel to walk around the state of Florida knowing that South Florida is mentioned among the traditional schools such as Miami, FSU, and Florida?
A: Our Program is up and coming and to be mentioned among these teams is something very special to me. It says a lot about our program and our coaches.
Q: After QB Matt Grothe went down with a season ending injury, what thoughts were going through your head? Did you feel you needed to step up more as a leader?
A. Grothe injury was a very tuff situation for me, seeing a teammate I care about in pain and unable to do what he loves to do is hard to watch. He was a great leader on our team from day one and extremely tuff, he would play through any injury. I knew I had to step up on every level and be strong for my teammates.
Q: Has the NFL always been a dream for you?
A: The minute I started playing in high school I dreamed of playing on Sundays. I love football. This is what I am.
Q: What are a few attributes you feel you can bring to an NFL team?
A: I bring big play ability to the game with my combination of size, speed and quickness as well as my commitment and mindset. I am willing to do whatever it takes to win. I love to watch film and knowing my opponent is very important to me. Whatever advantage I can find, I will.
Q: Most NFL scouts are intrigued by your size, how do you use your size as an advantage in competition?
A: I use my size to create separation. My strength and ability helps me shield off defenders, out jump them and out run them. My strength also helps me be a better blocker.
Q: What are some things you feel you need to improve on before you go to Indianapolis?
A: There are many things I want to improve on. I want to get stronger, faster, and be the most complete WR. It takes a lot to be a complete WR. I need to improve my route running, explosiveness, and strength. You can never be satisfied where you are in your ability. There will always be someone better then you. So you have to always be working on gaining an advantage.
Q: Are there any personal goals you have set for yourself while you are training for your pre-draft workouts?
A: I want to show I am the most complete WR and I am a PRO. It is not just speed that makes a WR. It's the mentality and will.
Q: If Carlton Mitchell wasn't a football player, what other sport would you have played?
A: Baseball was my first sport I ever played, but I really can't see myself doing anything other than playing football.
Q: Who would you compare yourself to at the next level and why?
A: I don't compare myself. I take a little bit from everyone and I admire the style of many of the greats-Jerry Rice, Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Larry Fitzgerald. All of the greats are great because of their own play.
Q: This year seems to be filled with big junior WR prospects such as Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas, Dezmon Briscoe, and Arrelious Benn. What abilities do you think you have that may separate you from those guys?
A: I can't compare myself to them. I can only look at my own game, because I have a lot to prove at the next level. The way I stretch the field, my second gear, my ability to separate myself either through speed or strength. I also have the versatility to play in every role- x, y, z and even as a decoy. I take pride in knowing my opponent and I know I will overcome any defender I go up against.
Q: How has going against players such as CB Jerome Murphy and S Nate Allen developed your game?
A: Mike Jenkins (My Freshman Year) Jerome Murphy and Nate Allen I think are the best at their position, and going up against them every day makes me work harder to be the best.
Got an item? Please send an email to PR@draftynasty.com
