Mitchell watches AU practice, updates recruitment

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Opelika tight end Jakell Mitchell visited Auburn spring practice on Wednesday morning. The nation's No. 15-ranked tight end and three-star prospect wanted to see how new head coach Gus Malzahn implemented his new offensive attack.

Mitchell was impressed.

"I had fun seeing the offense and seeing how they work," said Mitchell. "The fast paced stood out, they are quick and that's how I like to play, not giving the defense time to line up, personnel changes. They are fast paced and that's how I like to play.

"I paid attention to the tight ends, the routes they run, the competition, just getting the big picture."

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Mitchell watched Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee work during the opening day of spring camp. Both, mainly Lashlee, are recruiting Mitchell to the Plains.

"They are good coaches. They are good people to be around," said Mitchell.

On the recruiting front, Mitchell is working on taking visits to different schools to find the best fit for him. He plans a summer decision. He visited Auburn on Wednesday and will visit Florida State on Friday and Saturday.

With offers from Auburn, Florida State, Florida, LSU and more, Mitchell can't name favorites yet. But what he does know, is what conference he prefers to play in at the next level.

"I don't have favorites, but I want to compete in the SEC. I'm going to consider all my offers, but I'm leaning towards the SEC and the best. SEC schools are at the top of my list," Mitchell said.

"I just can't put them in place, I haven't thought that far into it. The recruiting thing, I like to play on the field -- I don't like the recruiting process. I'd rather let my play speak for itself. But I know I have to handle the process. But the SEC offers are at the top of my list, schools like Auburn, LSU, Vanderbilt, all the SEC schools. That's what I'm leaning towards."

Mitchell's teammate is also highly coveted, corner Stephen Roberts. They hold many of the same offers. In an ideal world, the duo would play college football together.

"We've talked about it, what schools he's leaning towards and what schools I'm leaning towards. We've talked about playing together," said Mitchell. "I've played with him before, why not go to a new school and being new to a school, we can get lost together."

Mitchell said he and Roberts plan a summer decision, possibly at the same time.

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