Nigel Mitchell-Thornton (June 6, 2008)

 
N2FL:  At what age did you start playing football?
 
N.M.:  I would have to say at about 6 or 7.
 
N2FL:  What was your favorite college team growing up?
 
N.M.:  When I was growing up me and my family really didn't watch much college football, but we did watch a lot of NFL though.
 
N2FL:  Have a favorite NFL Team?
 
N.M.:  yes, actually the old school 49ers and the Chicago Bears.
 
N2FL:  Do you try and emulate any specific player?
 
N.M.:  No not really, but there are some that I learn from though like Ray Lewis, and Brian Urlacher.
 
N2FL:  Any particular reason for the jersey number?
 
N.M.:  Not really, just because I'm really more known for the number (#42) and because it really isn't a very well-known number at all, and I'm making a symbol of it.
 
N2FL:  When and who was your first scholarship offer?
 
N.M.:  My first scholarship offer was back in February I believe and it was from Georgia Tech.
 
N2FL:  How many scholarship offers do you currently have?
 
N.M.:  I have just about 18 offers currently and some still to come, I believe.
 
N2FL:  Is there a school that hasn't offered you that you would like to see do so?
 
N.M.:  Really there are a couple, but there has been talk that one might come from them though. Like Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida and Clemson.
 
N2FL:  What are some of the considerations you have when deciding between schools?
 
N.M.:  Well, I would have to say first would be the education of the school, second the chemistry with the coaches and players, and last would be the campus and the school in particular. Location isn't a problem!
 
N2FL:  Who are the schools currently on your list for consideration? Any leader(s)?
 
N.M.:  There is Georgia Tech, Marshall, Tulane, Miami (Ohio), Stanford, Maryland, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Duke, Mississippi State, Central Florida, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Purdue and Vanderbilt. These are only the one's that have offered and no favorites or leaders.
 
N2FL:  Who is currently recruiting you the hardest?
 
N.M.:  I would have to say that Central Florida, Stanford, Mississippi State, Maryland and N.C. State are recruiting the hardest.
 
N2FL:  What positions are you being recruited to play?
 
N.M.:  I'm being recruited to play all of the linebacker positions and looked at for some defensive end positions at certain schools.
 
N2FL:  What position would you prefer to play?
 
N.M.:  I would prefer to play an outside strong linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
 
N2FL:  Have you thought about who you might want to "officially visit"?
 
N.M.:  Yes, I have been speculating about some schools and others that I have already decided that I will visit. Like for one, I know Stanford and Maryland are most definite on visiting. The others are still in the making.
 
N2FL:  What do you feel are some of your playing strengths?
 
N.M.:  I feel that rushing the quarterback, my reaction speed and my coverage in open space are my best qualities.
 
N2FL:  What are some things you would like to work on between now and college?
 
N.M.:  It would have to be for me to turn my weaknesses into strengths by working on staying low in the trenches and becoming even quicker and stronger. Also getting better at reading plays before they unfold.
 
N2FL:  How do you feel about Redshirting?
 
N.M.:  I think redshirting should only be necessary if the athlete doesn't fit the correct image or cant stay with the college level game speed.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a major in mind?
 
N.M.:  Yes, Business Management and hopefully I'll be able to earn a MBA or an Executive MBA.
 
N2FL:  What are your goals for your senior season?
 
N.M.:  I would have to say being a leader/role model for my team and working on winning the state championship.
 
N2FL:  What is the craziest recruiting "pitch" you have heard so far?
 
N.M.:  Well, one of the craziest I've heard is that if you come to our school, you'll be like a celebrity in our community.
 
N2FL:  Do you have a time frame as to when you would like to commit?
 
N.M.:  Yes, I would like to commit sometime around signing day, if not signing day itself.
 
N2FL:  Have you communicated with any prospective recruits about attending the same school?
 
N.M.:  Well, I have talked with various athletes about how schools are treating them and how their recruiting is going. As far as talking about going to the same school, I haven't spoken about that at all.