Mike Mitchell is running at his opportunity.
After redshirting in 2023 and playing snaps with Utah’s scout team, the freshman running back has finally earned an opportunity to make an impact in the Utes backfield. For years, Utah’s offense has relied heavily on a signature back — following the likes of Joe Williams, Zack Moss, Tavion Thomas, and more recently Ja’Quinden Jackson — but this season could have a different outcome.
As it stands, Utah’s backfield is led by senior running back Micah Bernard, but junior halfback Jaylon Glover and Mitchell are making a significant push for playing time this season. With a hungry field of rushers vying for the job, Utah will likely pivot to a by-committee approach for the 2024 season, leaning heavily on who has the hot hand at the time, rather than a signature ball carrier.
And, with fall camp almost in the books, no running back has emerged as Utah’s bell cow.
“The running back room is pretty much what we saw at the beginning,” Utah head coach Whittingham said this week. “There’s not a lot of separation. I would say, if there has been separation, Micah Bernard, Mike Mitchell and Jaylon Glover are the first three.
“Then, under them are Hunter Andrews, Charlie Vincent and Dijon Stanley standing there in that next group of three. So (there are) six guys that are getting the reps in that room.”
Despite a lack of experience, Mitchell feels like he’s doing his best to make his push for Utah’s starting running back job. Mitchell is using his scout team experience from a season ago to fuel his motivation for playing time this season.
On the scout team, Mitchell treated every moment like it was a real game, driving into defenders and bulldozing into the trenches. This offseason, Mitchell stayed in Salt Lake City to work out, condition and mentally prepare for the upcoming season.
“My mindset this offseason was that everyone’s at home on break, and I’m here in Utah working out and practicing,” Mitchell said. “I’m trying to be the best me, because if I become the best me, then I can contribute to the team. I’m trying to be a contributor. That’s really been my mindset this offseason.”
That’s why, when he looks back on the moments of last season, he reminds himself of the motivation that got him to where he’s at now.
“I just gave myself to the defense,” he said. “My game days were during the week in practice.
“I knew I wasn’t gonna get playing time, but I made sure the defense felt me and they knew who I was, so when my name is called, I’ll be ready.”
Glover is another player who’s trying to earn opportunities and playing time on Utah’s offense. The junior running back has played 22 games for the Utes where he has rushed for 922 career yards and six touchdowns.
Glover said he strained his hamstring in the first week of fall camp but has since recovered from the injury. But even as someone competing for the same snaps, Glover recognizes Mitchell’s potential.
“Mike is probably going to be one of those guys coming out of here, man,” Glover said. ”He’s talented. He’s physical. He’s a big dude, and he can break some tackles. But, as he continues to grow, he’s only going to get better. He’s definitely going to help us this year.”
While the running back competition will likely be fluid throughout the season, Mitchell is using any opportunity to showcase his talents and earn the title of the Utes’ signature running back.
“I took it as if it’s my chance,” Mitchell said of this season. “It’s my time, so I approached this camp and wanted to come in hot and make my presence felt. That’s really where I came in. I wanted the starting running back spot. I don’t want to be two or three, but I want the one spot, and that’s what I want to go for.”
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