In Small Packages by Alissa Smith

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Mitchell, who is a sophomore and first year starter for the Northeast Raiders, just may be the key player Northeast needs to fill the large shoes of quarterback Michael Palmer once he graduates in May. With a quiet certainty, Mitchell takes to the field knowing that he is vital to the Raiders' success, yet he is humble enough to know that, without his teammates, his name will not be known.

"My teammates and I are like brothers," says Mitchell. "We need each other to go out there and perform on Friday nights."

Mitchell has only been a part of the Raider football program for a year and never thought that he would be a starter during his first year playing - primarily because he never thought that he was good enough. After being introduced to the sport by his older brother, C.J. Jones, Mitchell immediately took a liking to the football. The success he has had this season has not only given Mitchell the confidence boost he needed, it has also given him the drive to try and make it all the way to the pros.

Mitchell has a ritual of praying before each game, which keeps him from getting nervous before going out on the field. He also does push-ups and sit-ups to physically prepare for the game. Now that Mitchell is in the spotlight, he says he does not feel pressure to perform; he just goes out there and does what comes naturally to him.

Offensive coach Millard Vining praises Mitchell for being "a fine young man who has a very bright future". "I can easily see him being one of the top running backs in the nation by his senior year. I am extremely fortunate to coach him," adds Vining.

When going to a Northeast football game, be on the lookout for #21, the Raiders' powerhouse in a small package.