Former Texas linebacker Juwan Mitchell made his decision on Monday afternoon, choosing to continue his college football career at Tennessee. The move had been rumored for more than a week following his appearance at the Orange and White Game two weekends ago.
Get ready for the SEC takeover ! @Vol_Football let’s ride. Can’t wait to ball out in front of 103,000 every Saturday pic.twitter.com/sBvZvu26SR
— JuJu (@juwanmitchell_6) May 3, 2021
The move is huge for Tennessee. The Volunteers will be replacing veteran leader Henry To’o To’o and 2020 starter Quavaris Crouch, who each entered the transfer portal this winter. Tennessee went through the spring with minimal numbers at the position, following the suspension of Aaron Beasley, Aaron Willis and Martavius French. Jeremy Banks also missed the spring due to injury.
French has since entered the transfer portal.
Mitchell is your likely starter from day one this fall. The 6-1, 230 pound linebacker is a former JUCO prospect who spent two seasons with the Longhorns. He made 13 starts for Texas, and will now bring that experience to Tim Banks’ defense.
As a junior last season, Mitchell made 62 total tackles, 4.5 of which went for a loss. Mitchell was able to add three sacks as a sophomore. He will have a chance to have an even bigger senior season, with the obvious lack of numbers in the linebacker room for Tennessee.
Mitchell joins USC defensive end Caleb Tremblay as transfers to join the Tennessee defense following spring practice.