South Pittsburg’s Kahlil Mitchell (28) rushes for a 17-yard touchdown during the TSSAA Division I BlueCross Bowl Class 1A state championship game at Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tenn.Deciding he wanted to help build a new football program, rather than be part of an established one, Kahlil Mitchell put an end to his recruiting process Thursday afternoon. South Pittsburg’s all-state running back and linebacker committed to East Tennessee State University, which won’t renew its program until the fall of 2015.
“It seemed like a really good fit for me,” Mitchell said. “They have my specific major, and on the field it’ll be a great chance for me to play early.
“They kept making a push and letting me know just how much they wanted me, and that meant a lot. They’re building something special, and I want to be a part of it.”
Mitchell, who said he will major in exercise science and plans to become an athletic trainer after his playing career, was also being recruited by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, Wofford and The Citadel.
The 6-foot, 205-pound three-year starter was the Pirates’ second-leading rusher with more than 1,550 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging more than 8 yards per carry, and also was the team’s second-leading tackler with 77 stops and two sacks. He was recruited by ETSU coaches to play outside linebacker.