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An all-state middle linebacker and graduate of Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, Mitchell was attending Michigan State University on a full athletic scholarship. He was being scouted by pro teams, and was on his way to becoming an early round draft pick. Then one day, his left knee started to hurt.

‘‘I never really got hurt; I just had this chronic pain in my left knee. Over the years it just got progressively worse.” Determined to do everything in his power to resume his playing career, Mitchell opted to undergo a painful operation which he was told had a recovery time of 12 to 18 months. He returned to playing after just 11 months.

‘‘People said I was doing a great job when I came back from the surgery, but within myself, I just knew I wasn’t the same,” Mitchell said.

He made a life changing decision to give up football.

‘‘It really wasn’t a tough decision to put football behind me, because I knew in my heart that I did everything that I could to play. So once I said I was done, I was done,” said Mitchell. Mitchell finished college, earning his degree in criminal justice and security management, and began playing what he called the resume game of going on countless job interviews, but said he knew he wouldn’t be happy unless he was involved in sports. Then, one Saturday afternoon while watching a fellow college football player on television, Mitchell found his future.

‘‘I was home watching television, and there was a football player from Notre Dame who is also a boxer. I remembered playing against him. During the summer, he had a match in Vegas and won a first round knockout. I thought, ‘I could beat him’. That’s when I decided I was going to box,” Mitchell said. Mitchell contacted his former high school football coach, Maurice Banks, who agreed to become his manager.

‘‘I just think he’s an incredible young man. When he sets his mind to something, he’s going to succeed. He has all the qualities of dedication, integrity and commitment. In the ring, I see a tough kid with a very bright future,” Banks said.

Mitchell retained a trainer, Andre Hunter, and follows a strict training schedule. He trains every evening at Old School Boxing in Clinton, and spars at least twice a week. His first heavyweight amateur fight is scheduled for March 30 and will be held in Waldorf. His opponent for the bout is still to be determined.

‘‘There’s a competitive nature inside me. I get an adrenaline rush from competing, and I truly believe that God has blessed me with the athletic ability to do this,” Mitchell said.

‘‘If I didn’t think I could become world champion, I wouldn’t delve into this at all. I think I’ll do well as long as I stay dedicated and focused and stay humble.” Mitchell said.

E-mail Carla Peay at cpeay@gazette.net.