2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Re-al Mitchell, WR, San Diego

- Name: Re-al Mitchell
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 210 lbs
- School: University of San Diego
- Level: Division I FCS – Pioneer League
- Twitter: realmitchellqb
- Instagram: realmitchell6
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?
As a student, I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Temple University where I also minored in advertising. While only have 1 more semester (this upcoming one) until I earn my Masters in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego (USD), I have already earned a certificate in Coaching Today’s Student-Athlete from USD.
In regards to other activities/ campus organizations, during my undergraduate at Temple University, I founded an organization called, R.A.I.S.E ( Raising Awareness In Mental Health of the Student-Athlete Everywhere). As the founder and president of the organization, I held and led (with the assistance of the university’s certified sports psychologist) weekly meetings that discussed a variety of different topics that covered the complex intricacies of mental health.
During my first two years at Iowa State University, I was a representative for the Green Dot Foundation. This organization brings awareness to violence prevention methods and keeps communities safer. I worked directly with the president of the organization to help spread the message through athletics and within the community.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I think if you polled my teammates on what they think my best quality is they would say my leadership ability. To take it a step further my reliability. My teammates know when I am on the field they can trust me to operate at a high level no matter the circumstance.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a vital player on my team. As a 6th year player who’s played at the Power 5 level and had success there, I can offer wisdom through my experiences and adversities I’ve had to overcome. These lived moments are what give me the confidence and ability to lead in the toughest of times. As it pertains to on the field I grew up playing quarterback and still believe I can play that position at a high level. I am fortunate however to have the opportunity to embrace other roles my offense needs me to play. This upcoming 2023 season I will predominantly play wide receiver however I will be utilized in the backfield both as a running back and quarterback. Being fortunate to play in so many high-level schemes/systems (spread, air raid, west coast) throughout my college career, I believe I can adapt to however the coach needs to utilize me. I feel like I am a versatile player and because of my quarterback background a savvy one as well.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Will McDonald was the best defensive player I’ve ever played and been fortunate enough to practice against. His elite talent and feel for the game are why he was deservingly picked in the first round!
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Christian Brown is one of my teammates who impresses me the most. He also plays wide receiver and is a great example of displaying professionalism within his craft. We push each other to be better players on the field and better men off of it. Transitioning from QB to wide receiver, he welcomed me into the receiver room with open arms.
What makes you different from others in your position?
There is not a player in the country who can play 3 different positions at a proficient level like I can. With my quarterback background and God-given ability, transferring my athletic skill set to WR/RB was not a walk in the park but a smoother transition than most. Due to my QB outlook on the game, identifying coverages and having a feel for space in zones on the field has become second nature and ultimately an advantage over my peers that don’t possess the background I do.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My college athletic career did not go as initially planned. In pursuit of going to the NFL as a quarterback I’ve transferred twice, moved across the country twice and currently play for a non-scholarship university. All these are blessings as each experience has taught me an immense amount about who I am as a person, and my values but ultimately test my faith and develop me into the man I am today. With that being said and through all the moving and adversities college football brings, last season gave me a glimpse of my potential as a football player, not just quarterback. I look to build tremendously off of last season and turn my adversities and struggles into earned successes.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I did not play football I would hands down play baseball. Baseball is a game of life and although not as physically demanding as football can still offer great life lessons. Ideally, I would play outfield and utilize my speed tracking down fly balls however, I would not be opposed to playing in the infield and exemplifying my elite hand-eye coordination. I would also ‘live’ in the batting cages because hitting and hitting home runs is almost as satisfying as scoring touchdowns.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am most proud of creating the organization R.A.I.S.E. At the time I had only just transferred to Temple University for 6 months and was able to put my passion for mental health into action by gaining the trust and respect of the locker room. If you know anything about Temple, or North Philadelphia you know the saying “Temple TUFF” is not just a slogan. Because of this, making an impact in a community that had not seen anything like it prior is something I am most proud of. While at Temple University I was nominated for several awards. The AFCA Good Works Team recognizes extra efforts by players and student support staff off the field. The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award is given to an individual who demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The Wuerffel Trophy is given to a football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. Being nominated for such honorable awards was unexpected but fulfilling as I knew I was making a difference in the lives of many. That recognition would be my biggest accomplishment(s).
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays from my collegiate career would have to be during my redshirt freshman season at Iowa State University. We were playing Louisiana Monroe at home and I scored a rushing touchdown where I had made a defender miss. It was my first rushing touchdown as a Cyclone and commentator, Gus Johnson said during the play, “Those must be jelly in those hips cause jam doesn’t shake like that!”
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I do not have a favorite professional team as I was always more of a college football fan growing up. As time has gone on and I’ve changed positions, my favorite players in the NFL have also changed. I believe my NFL comparable would be Debo Samuel. An incredible athlete he can do so many things that put defenses in a bind. I also enjoy studying A.J. Brown and Cooper Kupp. All individuals I am trying to learn from and improve my game from.
What gets you “pumped up” before a game?
The opportunity to put the accumulation of my hard work on show. There isn’t one thing that gets me pumped. Generally speaking, I am very calm and collected on gameday and don’t allow myself to get too high or too low. This level of mindfulness produces an even-kill demeanor and perspective that allows me to always be in the fight regardless of what the scoreboard says.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to go to the batting cages. Hitting baseball is a stress reliever for me and allows me to focus on something else other than football. I also picked up fishing as a hobby when I went to Iowa State which I enjoy. Not deep sea fishing or anything but throwing a line in a river or pond, chewing on some sunflower seeds, and listening to country music is a good day off for me. Other than being abnormally strong, not have many secret talents for me.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football to continue my development as a man. My life has always one way or another revolved around football and has taught me a tremendous amount. Not only for myself, but I also want to prove all the people who have believed in and supported me through my journey right. Ultimately I want to sustain a platform in the NFL that brings as much attention to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have a philanthropy idea I look forward to putting into motion and using my athletic ability and the money generated from the NFL to fund this program which is what motivates me. The chance to impact the lives of those I have not yet met and spread the Holy word of truth about our one true King.
What do you want NFL teams to know about you?
I want NFL teams to know that through 6 seasons I might not have always had the immediate success others might have experienced but I kept my head down, never complained, adapted, and ultimately found the success I’d been working for and am eager to continue to prove those who believe in me right.

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