Mitchell’s next visit: Rocky Top

Posted Oct 21, 2009 by Bill Ward

Updated Oct 21, 2009 at 03:24 PM

Following on the heels of his visit from University of Tennessee defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, Hillsborough senior defensive back Terrence “T-Rex” Mitchell will make an official trip to the Vols on Oct. 30, Mitchell confirmed Tuesday.

Mitchell, a 5-10, 175-pound senior, is one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the nation, with official offers from nearly every team in the Southeastern Conference, including the University of Florida. Mitchell’s one other official visit so far came earlier this month to the University of Georgia, where Plant High products Orson Charles and Aaron Murray pushed him to become a Bulldogs player next fall.

Kiffin dropped by Hillsborough last week to see Mitchell, who is also a standout track and field athlete. If he wound up at “Rocky Top,” Mitchell could join forces on the Vols track team with former Chamberlain star Dentarius Locke, who last spring won state titles at 100 and 200 meters before signing with Tennessee. Mitchell, who is state ranked in the long and triple jumps, has said he wants to continue his track career in college, as well as play football.

That’s one reason why three-time NCAA track champion Florida State has been recruiting Mitchell so hard as a two-sport athlete. Mitchell has also received offers from North Carolina, Miami, South Florida, Ohio State, Michigan, California, Penn State, Michigan State and Iowa State. Mitchell says he is not favoring any particular school.

Iowa State is also one of several schools recruiting Hillsborough quarterback Tarean Austin. Tuesday, Austin said he has yet to schedule an official visit but added that he is leaning toward Iowa State.