Florida Football: Former 4-star LB from Ohio State joins Gators via portal
![Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Teradja Mitchell (7) celebrates his tackle of Maryland Terrapins running back Javon Leake (20) in the second half of their game at Maryland Stadium in College Park, MD on November 17, 2018. [ Brooke LaValley / Dispatch ]Osu18md Blv 15](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F0ca1df4e58cc9a4b51b1315ae3c07ad49c0871d6071025647221fe3ef3973b31.jpg "Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Teradja Mitchell (7) celebrates his tackle of Maryland Terrapins running back Javon Leake (20) in the second half of their game at Maryland Stadium in College Park, MD on November 17, 2018. [ Brooke LaValley / Dispatch ]Osu18md Blv 15")
It has been a hectic day to try and follow all the news surrounding Florida football. We woke up this morning with the news that Graham Mertz from Wisconsin was going to be the next QB. Then you have the drama of early signing day and the hope that everyone that committed ends up signing their letter of intent.
Lost in the shuffle is the announcement that the Gators are adding much-needed depth to their linebacking crew via the transfer portal.
Florida Football: Former top 50 prospect
Teradja Mitchell was a highly sought-after prospect in 2018 coming out of Virginia. At 6-2, 232 pounds coming out of high school, Mitchell was the second-ranked inside linebacker in the country according to 247 Sports.
Mitchell signed with Ohio State but never saw meaningful playing time until last season. He started eight games last season and was credited with 21 solo tackles and 44 tackles overall. He had double digits in tackles against both Oregon and Minnesota last year before his role diminished.
Mitchell played but didn’t start in the first four games for Ohio State this year before opting to sit out the rest of the year to preserve his transfer status.
Currently listed at 239 pounds, Mitchell certainly has the size to hold up as a run-stopper for Florida football. The word on him is that he hits hard but is also a step slow to the ball at times.
If nothing else, the biggest contribution Mitchell can bring to the linebacking room is experience. With Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney graduating, Florida football doesn’t really have a veteran presence among the linebackers. The biggest area of weakness for Florida this year when Miller was out was simply getting guys in the proper alignment.
Shemar James and Derek Wingo will hopefully take steps up themselves to lead the way next year. But with Scooby Williams as the only other linebacker with any meaningful snaps, adding Mitchell fills an important need even if it’s not a splashy find.
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