Ahmad Mitchell wanted to play football in college. Kentucky Wesleyan wanted a running back who could pick his whole and blast through the offensive line in between the tackles. Both parties got exactly what they wanted Wednesday.
Mitchell signed his letter of intent with Kentucky Wesleyan at Salem High School Wednesday.
“Like most high school kids, he wanted to be a college athlete and wanted the opportunity to sign,” Salem coach John Starr said. “To see it come true is really good.”
Mitchell started on offense and defense for the Salem Seminoles during his career there and was a big part of Starr’s teams throughout his two years as head coach. Whenever Mitchell was set to take the field, Starr knew things were going to work out well for the Seminoles.
“The thing we knew was every time he stepped on the field it was wide open, something was going to happen,” Starr said. “He didn’t take plays off; he was wide open all the time.”
That work habit jumped out on Mitchell’s game film, which Starr and his staff then sent off to colleges looking for someone to want the running/defensive back. Kentucky Wesleyan not only wanted him but saw that he would fit in with their system.
The Panthers rushed for 424 yards and threw for another 1,350 in a zone-style offense, where Mitchell will spend a lot of time reading the offensive line and picking his holes.
“Obviously, they saw a fit,” Starr said. “We sent tape up there but they saw a fit. That’s a good thing; they’re taking something that they like. They feel like he can work in their program.”
Mitchell also fits with Kentucky Wesleyan academically, looking to study sports marketing. The Salem senior has been taking sports marketing classes at Rockdale Career Academy, doing course work such as sales and event planning.
“I already know a little bit about it, that’s why I chose to study it,” Mitchell said.
As he earns his degree, it’s the football field that will stand out.
“I just want to go down there, work hard and try to get on the field my freshman year,” Mitchell said.
