Ohio State Football: Teradja Mitchell has a vital role

Even though he hasn’t been able to make an impact with the Ohio State football program quite yet, Mitchell is ready to do so this season.

Teradja Mitchell came into the Ohio State football program as a high four-star linebacker recruit ranked 44th nationally, leading to high expectations. During his OSU career, Mitchell has patiently waited for his moment to shine. Mitchell has rarely seen meaningful snaps over the last couple of seasons, but in the upcoming season, he will be one of the big contributors at linebacker.

The time is truly now for Mitchell. He will need to play well if the Buckeyes are going to have good linebackers. In camp, Mitchell has consistently been with the first-team defense at Will linebacker, also known as weakside inside linebacker.

This puts Mitchell in a role where he will need to be a playmaker while also having discipline. Mitchell spoke on some of the preparation he’s done in the offseason,

"Biggest thing is, when I go out there I wanna be able to anticipate what’s coming instead of reacting. So I’ve been watching a lot of film, a lot of film and just understanding what offenses are trying to run against us, what they’re trying to scheme against us. So that’s been the biggest improvement."

As Mitchell said, anticipating what’s coming will be important. Since he will be the weakside linebacker, Mitchell will be in a position where he needs to make quick decisions on reacting to the run or transitioning to pass coverage. Mitchell’s play at Will linebacker could be a deciding factor in how good the Buckeye defense can be.

So far, Mitchell seems to be making all the right steps this offseason. As mentioned, studying a lot of film should help Mitchell’s anticipation greatly. In addition, Ryan Day has credited Mitchell with good leadership,

"I’m very impressed with Teradja Mitchell’s approach. He’s been a guy who’s been pretty vocal. He can kinda step up in front of the team and speak."

Leadership at linebacker, and even on the defense as a whole, will be important. It is very encouraging to hear Mitchell is stepping into a leadership role. Every linebacker that plays this year has little experience, some guidance will be needed. Mitchell is not very experienced himself appearing in only eight games with 18 tackles across his career, but a leading voice is still needed in the linebacker room.

Mitchell has the chance to be a real thumper for OSU against opposing rushing attacks. He is building good momentum this offseason to be a leading force on the 2021-22 Ohio State football team’s defense.