Alabama football 2023 early enrollee spotlight: Tony Mitchell

Alabama football enrolled a good portion of its 2023 recruiting class in January.

Each of the Crimson Tide’s early enrollees will participate in the Crimson Tide’s full off-season program. Touchdown Alabama will highlight each of Alabama’s newest additions over the next few weeks in an article series.

We continue our series with Thompson High School product, Tony Mitchell

Cole Adams

-Classification: Freshman

–Position: Defensive Back

-Hometown: Alabaster, Alabama

-Height: 6-2

-Weight: 205 pounds

–Summary: Tony Mitchell looked as if he should have been projected to play linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide as a senior at Thompson High School with his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame.

Mitchell bounced around Thompson’s secondary throughout his career, moving back and forth from safety and cornerback. He excelled at both positions for the Warriors, ending his career as a cornerback.

The former five-star recruit could do the same in Tuscaloosa in the future, but he is expected to play safety for the Crimson Tide at the moment.

Mitchell is an instinctive player, who plays the game with impressive reaction skills. He comes downhill very quickly when he recognizes a run play and makes some forceful tackles close to the line of scrimmage. His size and strength make him a mismatch for wide receivers trying to block him.

There were not many moments Mitchell was out of position in coverage. He looked comfortable as a true corner, working on an island. When he played over the top as a safety, he was able to shine in both man and zone coverage.

Alabama lost both of its starting safeties from last season to graduation and the NFL. The door is open for Mitchell to play early in Tuscaloosa.