Billy Napier analyzes value of adding Teradja Mitchell to linebacker room
There was a lot of value to adding Teradja Mitchell to the Florida Gators linebacker room, according to head coach Billy Napier.
The Ohio State transfer fit right in right away for Napier and company. But his intelligence stood out among the rest of the traits.
Mitchell could be a big time playmaker for the Gators come the fall.
“I think one of Teradja’s strengths is that he is intelligent,” Napier said. “I think he has experience as a player. He’s played for multiple coordinators in his career. So he’s learning a new system. That’s nothing new to him, but I do think that translates. He’s articulate, he’s very well spoken and he’s an alpha. (Teradja) does a great job communicating. We have unbelievable competition in that room.
“We’ve added a lot of good players to that room, and then some of the players on our team that are returning, I think he’s had a great spring camp. So there’s competition in that room .. And certainly a ton of competition I think is forcing the issue there.”
Mitchell played four seasons at Ohio State and finished his stint with 63 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss and one pass deflection. He played just four games in 2022 but did not log any stats.
As a member of the Class of 2018, Mitchell was a four-star recruit out of Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 5 overall linebacker in the class and the No. 35 overall prospect in the class.
In the spring game the Orange team got the victory 10-7 thanks to a walk-off field goal, and Napier said there were many teachable moments. That might be expected with such a young group and so many newcomers, and that will be next week’s focus.
All in all, though, the second-year headman was happy with where his team’s at.
“Lot of young players getting an opportunity to play,” Napier said. “New players, right. Overall, the defense made a lot harder. Certainly, you’ve got to be pleased with that given where we were as a team. Unbelievable experience and opportunity for this group. Great film to teach and learn from and looking forward to that opportunity on Monday.”