NORTHERN ILLINOIS AT ARKANSAS

Mitchel ends redshirt talk

Austin Jones, left, hugs Tevin Mitchel Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 after a tackle during the third quarter of the game against Louisiana-Lafayette at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Austin Jones, left, hugs Tevin Mitchel Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 after a tackle during the third quarter of the game against Louisiana-Lafayette at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas cornerback Tevin Mitchel quickly went from possibly redshirting to helping beat the Red Raiders.

Mitchel, a senior from Mansfield, Texas, started at Texas Tech Saturday after missing the first two games because of a hamstring injury and had five tackles and two pass breakups in the Razorbacks' 49-28 victory over the Red Raiders.

Razorbacks Coach Bret Bielema brought up the option of the team's most experienced cornerback sitting out the season because he hadn't yet used a redshirt season after Mitchel wasn't able to play against Auburn and Nicholls State.

Bielema said at the start of last week that if Mitchel wasn't involved in the Texas Tech game plan "then it'd probably be a decision to redshirt unless something catastrophic happens at corner."

Nothing catastrophic happened, but Mitchel showed improvement physically as last week went on. He began Tuesday's practice with the scout-teamers, then by the end of the week he was working with the second-teamers.

Coaches decided to make Mitchel one of the five starting defensive backs against Texas Tech -- along with cornerbacks Carroll Washington and Henre Toliver and safeties Alan Turner and Rohan Gaines -- when Mitchel didn't show ill effects from practicing full speed.

"I give a lot of thanks to our training staff," Mitchel said. "They've been working hard with me every day. It was a hard process, but it turned out pretty good."

Mitchel played inside and covered the Red Raiders' slot receivers. His breakups came on Texas Tech's first drive on second-and-2 and third-and-2 plays on passes intended for Jakeem Grant.

"It was amazing to make a couple of plays like that when I was just coming back," Mitchel said. "That's what hard work and studying film will do for you."

Defensive coordinator Robb Smith said Mitchel, who made his 25th career start, provided the secondary with a veteran presence.

"It showed right away in the first series," Smith said. "We got a three-and-out there and he was a big part of that.

"It's great to see that from him. Those are the kind of expectations we have for him, and we've got to do a good job of managing him and helping him stay healthy, but he was certainly a big pick-me-up for our defense."

Smith said Mitchel gives the Razorbacks flexibility because he can play inside and outside receivers. His size, 6-0 and 190 pounds, is also a plus.

"Just another longer body out there that can help us against larger receivers," Smith said. "Match up in the slot and give us an edge there from a physicality standpoint."

Mitchel looked to be a likely starter in the season opener at Auburn before his hamstring injury began limiting him in fall camp. Then he didn't play.

"It was very hard, especially since this is my senior year, my last go-round," he said.

Mitchel said it was exciting to make his return against a pass-oriented team like Texas Tech.

"As a D-back, you should love that type of team," he said. "That's more chances for you to make plays."

Senior defensive end Trey Flowers said said he wasn't surprised Mitchel played well.

"I know his skills," Flowers said. "I know what type player he is, and how athletic he is.

"It was just good to see him out there. To come in having not played all season, he made a big-time impact."

Mitchel had 47 tackles and five pass breakups last season and returned an interception for a touchdown at Rutgers, but in SEC play he struggled with missed tackles at times that led to long touchdown plays.

D.J. Dean started the final two games in Mitchel's place last season, but Smith said that when he was hired in February, he didn't feel the need to rebuild Mitchel's confidence.

"I came in with a clean slate and I think he embraced that mentality and we started from scratch," Smith said.

Smith said Mitchel practiced well last spring before undergoing shoulder surgery and was having a good fall camp until being slowed by his hamstring injury.

"He's earned the right to play with some confidence," Smith said. "It was great to see him have a little success, and we've got to keep building on that."

Sports on 09/15/2014

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