Post by 50yardfan on Aug 10, 2011 11:12:21 GMT -5
www.thetimesherald.com/article/20110810/SPORTS/108100315/Joseph-Hayes-Terry-Mitchell-trying-make-next-level
Terry Mitchell loves football.
And since graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2007, the 2003 Port Huron High alum has done everything he can to keep his dream alive of playing big-time professional football.
But that has required Mitchell to embark on a long journey, filled with ups and downs.
"It becomes frustrating sometimes, but it also motivates me," Mitchell said. "I see guys I went against playing in the pros and I'm thinking, 'Man, they were in the right place at the right time.'"
This year seemed to start out well for Mitchell when he signed to play for the Port Huron Predators.
But Mitchell met with frustration as the Predators languished under owner Rachael Brusate before having their season canceled with four games left.
Mitchell turned his attention to the Southeast Michigan Mercenaries, a semi-professional team now based out of Mount Clemens.
With the Mercenaries, Mitchell has displayed the tremendous potential he has and currently leads the team (6-3) with 11 touchdowns entering this weekend's regular season finale at 3 p.m. against the Michigan Wolves (9-0) at the Plymouth Education Center in Detroit.
"We love him," Mercenaries owner Tammy Kuzma said. "We probably have the three top wide receivers in our league. Terry Mitchell without a doubt is one of them."
Mitchell said playing for the team, which plays out of the Motor City Division of the Great Midwest Football League, has been fun.
"I feel good, I'm enjoying myself and having a better time than I had with the Predators," Mitchell, 26, said. "We don't have too much drama on this team.
"The communication between the coaches and players is better. Everything is legit."
Not only is Mitchell enjoying his new surroundings, but he hopes it will be the catalyst for success.
Earlier this year, Mitchell tried out for the Canadian Football League but the opportunity once again came at the wrong time.
"I had a great tryout," Mitchell said. "I did even better at my personal workout with the Hamilton (Ontario) Tiger-Cats. I ran something like a 4.28 (seconds, 40-yard dash). But it was the NFL lockout at that time and they were trying to get NFL players."
Because of his latest opportunity with the Mercenaries, Mitchell feels he finally is a step closer to getting another shot.
"I feel like it's working out great," Mitchell said. "I finally have my game on film. The past three or four seasons, I never had film. Coaches would ask me for it but they wouldn't want to see my college film because it was from 2007.
"After this, my goal for myself is to make it somewhere else. If I'm not playing with a team by the time I'm 27 or 28, it will be time to hang up the cleats."
Terry Mitchell loves football.
And since graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2007, the 2003 Port Huron High alum has done everything he can to keep his dream alive of playing big-time professional football.
But that has required Mitchell to embark on a long journey, filled with ups and downs.
"It becomes frustrating sometimes, but it also motivates me," Mitchell said. "I see guys I went against playing in the pros and I'm thinking, 'Man, they were in the right place at the right time.'"
This year seemed to start out well for Mitchell when he signed to play for the Port Huron Predators.
But Mitchell met with frustration as the Predators languished under owner Rachael Brusate before having their season canceled with four games left.
Mitchell turned his attention to the Southeast Michigan Mercenaries, a semi-professional team now based out of Mount Clemens.
With the Mercenaries, Mitchell has displayed the tremendous potential he has and currently leads the team (6-3) with 11 touchdowns entering this weekend's regular season finale at 3 p.m. against the Michigan Wolves (9-0) at the Plymouth Education Center in Detroit.
"We love him," Mercenaries owner Tammy Kuzma said. "We probably have the three top wide receivers in our league. Terry Mitchell without a doubt is one of them."
Mitchell said playing for the team, which plays out of the Motor City Division of the Great Midwest Football League, has been fun.
"I feel good, I'm enjoying myself and having a better time than I had with the Predators," Mitchell, 26, said. "We don't have too much drama on this team.
"The communication between the coaches and players is better. Everything is legit."
Not only is Mitchell enjoying his new surroundings, but he hopes it will be the catalyst for success.
Earlier this year, Mitchell tried out for the Canadian Football League but the opportunity once again came at the wrong time.
"I had a great tryout," Mitchell said. "I did even better at my personal workout with the Hamilton (Ontario) Tiger-Cats. I ran something like a 4.28 (seconds, 40-yard dash). But it was the NFL lockout at that time and they were trying to get NFL players."
Because of his latest opportunity with the Mercenaries, Mitchell feels he finally is a step closer to getting another shot.
"I feel like it's working out great," Mitchell said. "I finally have my game on film. The past three or four seasons, I never had film. Coaches would ask me for it but they wouldn't want to see my college film because it was from 2007.
"After this, my goal for myself is to make it somewhere else. If I'm not playing with a team by the time I'm 27 or 28, it will be time to hang up the cleats."