Former UK wide receiver Scott Mitchell chased down a suspected L.A. arsonist

A former Kentucky wide receiver made news on the West Coast for running down a suspected arsonist. Scott Mitchell, who played in 22 games for the Wildcats in the 2005 and 2006 seasons, put his old college speed to the test on Tuesday when he chased down a man leaving the scene of a fire. Mitchell and his girlfriend were on a hike when they spotted a man they believed had ignited a burning tree in Los Angeles. Mitchell estimates that he was 150 yards away and still managed to catch up with the suspect.

“Even without digging, I was able to chase that guy down,” Mitchell told NBC News. “I didn’t know I still had it, I’m not going to lie.”

Other hikers in the area helped Mitchell contain the arsonist, who tried posing as a fire marshal, until law enforcement arrived at the scene.

[Suspected Los Angeles arsonist run down by former college football player]

Scott Mitchell’s time at Kentucky (2005-06)

In college, Mitchell transferred to Lexington as part of Rich Brooks’ first Kentucky recruiting class, which included five JUCO prospects, of whom Mitchell was one. Mitchell played 22 games in his two seasons for Brooks from 2005-06, tallying 671 yards on 53 career catches as a full-time starter at wide receiver. He caught three touchdown passes as a Wildcat, including one in the second half of the 2005 Governor’s Cup.

The California native went on to play professionally in the AFL and CFL.