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Video Breakdown: Penn State gets top cornerback target Jon Mitchell

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•04/02/23•

ThomasFrankCarr

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Penn State got a surprise commitment when Florida cornerback Jon Mitchell committed on an unofficial visit April 1. (Photo: On3)

Penn State football signed it’s highest-profile recruit of the 2024 cycle on Saturday with four-star cornerback Jon Mitchell from Florida. The 5-11 defender is the 61st overall player in the class, according to the On3 internal rankings. By the industry rankings, he’s the 124th player in the country and sits atop the list of current Penn State recruits. Check out the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe.

Penn State lands top-100 cornerback

For Penn State recruiting and football insider, Sean Fitz, the fit is a great one. He’s been high on Mitchell since very early in the process and feels that he’s getting the notoriety that he deserves. In fact, he compares Mitchell to a current Nittany Lions defensive back,

“So there’s a lot to like there. I don’t know that he’s elite in any area, but so many boxes are checked. I hate to make the comparison, but it reminds you a lot of Kalen King coming out in that he did so many things well. He’s got the speed. He should go under 11 seconds in the hundred this year [and] he’s got the size.”

While Fitz still thinks that Penn State will have to fight to keep Mitchell in the class, the Florida defensive back has a strong bond with the staff. Mitchell expressed that himself in an interview with On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

“I’m close with the cornerback’s coach, coach Terry Smith. He is just a great guy in general and will talk football. But then he will communicate with you and have talks about life, and he’s one of the best [cornerback] coaches in college football.”

Talent at a critical position is a double bonus

Mitchell is an impact commit not only from a talent perspective but also plays a critical position. Fitz and film analyst Thomas Frank Carr see him as an outside cornerback with elite potential. However, after a successful run at the position, Penn State needs to restock on talent.

“If Penn State wants to continue to be what they’ve been defensively and to continue that high-level play, cornerback is ultra important. So with Elliott Washington, a top defensive back in the last class, and now John Mitchell and Kenneth Woseley, they are continuing that.

I just want to highlight that outside corner. This is a huge get, not just because of the type of player, of the quality of the person and the kind of athlete that Penn State typically recruits. But also, the position is super important,” T-Frank said.

Penn State is now a top-15 class according to the On3 team rankings. The Nittany Lions jumped five spots to 14th overall with Mitchell’s commitment.

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