2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mitchell Townsend, LB/DE, University of British Columbia

• Name: Mitchell Townsend
• Position: LB/DE
• College: University of British Columbia
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 235lbs
• Instagram: @mitchizzell

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I have experience playing multiple positions on defense as well as special teams. My versatility and ability to adapt to different roles make me a unique prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I am not sure exactly what age I first took an interest in the sport but I was definitely young. My Grandfather played professional football so I was always interested but didn’t start playing until the ninth grade.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I have a relentless work ethic, and refuse to let an opponent out prepare me.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to Cancer research, as it is an insidious and unforgiving disease

What is the best advice you have ever received?

My high school football always reminded me that “If I’m gonna fail I’d might as well do it going 100 miles per hour”. This helped me push away doubt or anxiety on the field and just play fast.

Who was your childhood hero?

I was a big baseball, and Yankees, fan growing up so I idolized Derek Jeter

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

He is probably not underrated within the locker room, but from an outside perspective Aiden Bertuzzi. He just goes so hard every play, practice or game, but off the field no one can fill the locker room with laughs like him and I think that is super important to a winning culture.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Slow walkers

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Tadey, 11^th and 12^th grade Physics teacher

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

In my grade 12 year of high school our football team almost folded. There was a lot of anxiety about whether I would get to play football or get to graduate with my friends. We ended up recruiting a bunch of kids from around school to play, so the team didn’t fold.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

UBC really feels like its own community. Its location kind of cuts it off from the rest of Vancouver, so the sense of community was always pleasant on campus.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Definitely a Chipotle

What is your favorite snack food?

Spicy dill pickle chips

What is your degree in?

Materials engineering

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I’m a competitor, a leader, and a play-maker, any role that I am given I will welcome with open arms and perform it to the best of my ability.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Matt Milano

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

Whack-a-Mole

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Rob Gronkowski, Pat Mcafee, and Peyton Manning