2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Noah Mitchell, QB, California (PA)

• Name: Noah Mitchell
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 225 lbs.
• Position: QB
• College: California University of Pennsylvania
• Twitter: nojomitch
• Instagram: nojomitch

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am a Communication Studies major. I also participate in a campus Bible Study group. I’m also part of CUTV Sports Broadcasting where I announce sports and do color commentary.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates and coaches have commented about me being even-keeled. I stay calm, focused and consistent as a leader and help others along. I’ve been a team captain since my sophomore year.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My game play and ability has evolved over the years, gaining size, strength, speed and a better understanding of the game. Having different coaches, I feel like I can play in any scheme. I feel most confident in a pro-style system. I often come to the line of scrimmage with at least 2 potential plays, giving me the ability to adjust depending on the defense that I’m given. My strengths are definitely my accuracy and arm strength. My decision making has been a big point of emphasis. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Millersville has a strong edge rusher in Tyler Tate that really moves well. He knows how to put pressure on the QB and make him feel uncomfortable.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Jermal Martin was an incredible athlete for our program. He knew how to be in the right spot at the right time and be a game-changer. He led the defensive charge in the secondary, going on to be the PSAC Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American. I know he’s going to make a big impact with his role at Wake Forest.

Israel Xavier is an edge rusher for us that people need to look out for this season. He’s twitchy at the line and creates problems for our opponents. He’s also shown leadership and maturity on and off the field.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The Covid-19 pandemic year in 2020 brought a lot of adversity. Sadly, I lost a great teammate in Jermaine Stephens. He was a bright spot in our locker room, a very positive guy. He and I were very close. His death took a toll on my life and everyone throughout our program. Jermaine went by the nickname “Juice”. I helped start a trend on social media in his honor called 77 Days of Living Like Juice. The idea was to inject positivity into our way of life and be a light in the world. Not only did this help deal with our grief, but it helped us be model citizens within our community.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. I played a little basketball and track & field in high school, yet baseball was my first love. I had a lot of fun and success in the sport. I was a decent pitcher and played almost every other position except catcher. I like how my experience as a pitcher translates to the game of football. It’s a bit of a mind game, setting up your opponents and exploiting their weaknesses.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
We had a great season last year only losing one game, yet somehow missing the playoffs. I was fortunate to be named the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference and Honorable All-American. I’m proud of what I have accomplished so far, but I know that there is still work to be done.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We had a great battle with IUP during the 2021 season. We rallied back in the 4th quarter, scoring 3 TDs to win the game. With our last score, we were coming out of a timeout with just 17 seconds left on the clock. We had been working on a fade route for that moment. Tyson Hill was matched up against their best player and caught a back-shoulder fade to help put away the game.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Being from Cleveland, I’m a fan of the local teams (Browns, Guardians and Cavaliers). Lebron James is my favorite athlete. He carries himself well on and off the field, showing everyone the right way. Tom Brady is one of the all-time greats, and I try to model my game after him. Recently, I have enjoyed watching Josh Allen grow into one of the best QBs in the league. He has a great skill set to watch.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m a country music fan and enjoy artists like Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney and Luke Combs. Sometimes before games, I like to watch the YouTube video of Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s lasagna.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
I’m a big Star Wars fan. Evan McGregor is my favorite actor from that franchise.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a family guy and enjoy spending time playing games with my nieces and nephews like Fortnite or some card games. I also enjoy spending time with my dog.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
There’s a lot of love and enjoyment that I get from playing football. My grandmother was one of my biggest fans. She supported me, coming to almost all my games before her passing. My mom sacrificed so much, sometimes working 3 jobs in order to give me what I needed. My family helped put me in great camps and set me up to learn from some of the best coaches. My dad played catch with me early on and helped me grow an appreciation for the game. He drove me everywhere. My family has supported me since day one. They are my biggest motivation.