Utah RB Mike Mitchell Vying for the Starting Role as Fall Camp Battle Reaches Pinnacle

With the QB2 battle in the books, all eyes have shifted towards the heated RB1 battle that has burst onto the scene in Utah's Fall Camp due to one name in particular.

Last season, Utes RB Mike Mitchell was a scout squad player, and this year, he is turning heads and making what seemed to be a clear backfield situation into a battle that could see him beat out veterans Micah Bernard and Jaylon Glover.

When asked about how his experience in the program last season helped him get to the spot he's in now.

"I'm here in Utah, working out, practicing, trying to be the best me because if I can be the best me then I can contribute to the team," Mitchell said . "I'm trying to be a contributor, so that's where my mind has been this offseason."

He continued, saying, "My redshirt season, I was on scout, I took it to the chin and I just gave myself to the defense. My gamedays were during the week in practice, so that's how I thought about my redshirt season. I knew I wasn't going to get playing time, but I made sure the defense felt me and knew who I was, so by the time my name was called, I'd be ready."

Mitchell impressed mightily in spring camp and seems to have continued his momentum into the fall, only turning it up a few notches as he is now in a prime position to challenge for the lead-back role in Utah's stacked offensive setup.

The powerful runner will bring a different flow and tempo to the game whether he starts or comes in for specialized situations, giving the Utes a much-needed switch up from the more shifty, pass-catching abilities that Glover and Bernard possess.