A Quarterback with Options
#19 Scott Mitchell knows intensive training is as important as his QB skills. Scott has developed his body to stand up to defensive lineman. Scott Mitchell is You a man with choices and options. see, he has this great ability to pass the football and for defensive coordinators. Then a series of quick events caused some massive changes. First event, the team was struggling. Many criticized a weak offensive line for not giving adequate Division I-A passing yardage (4,322) and total offense protection. Second event, while preparing for arch rival BYU, Scott slightly tore a knee ligament which ended his savvy and performance, NFL teams want Scott Mitchell season with only two games left.
Third event, the University of Utah then suffered disastrous defeats from now.
Before the 1989 season, Scott was a pre-season AllAmerica and Heisman Trophy Candidate for the University of Utah. Optimism was high for Head Coach BYU and Air Force. As a result, Jim Fassel, in a controversial move, was Subsequently, Scott Mitchell immediately had NFL teams wondering about his senior year. Scott has until John Elway and his new protege was causing apoplexy Story continued on next page SCOTT MITCHELL April 1, 1990 to declare his name for the NFL. New football coach Ron McBride is obviously on pins and needles. At this writing, Scott is still weighing his options. He knows full well that a serious injury next year in college would probably mean no big bucks ever in the NFL.
Scott is now fully recovered from his November injury but he has to be wary. Should he grab the brass ring now or finish out his college college career at Utah? We will keep you posted.
Scott was a three-sport athlete at Springville High School only ten miles from BYU. Being involved in three sports left little time for lifting. remembered Scott.
“I was growing fast,” for muscle tone. I wasn’t real excited about it until I met Coach Varner at the University of Utah. | just didn’t understand what it was all about. and conditioning program here at Utah has been great. I'm less susceptible to injury and I’m stronger. The confidence factor is such a positive thing. I love to lift now. A lot of what you do is mental. and strong, it’s got to carry over. “The will to win starts with intensity. You have to have the desire. | want to be the best QB in the nation but so do a lot of people; But, what are you willing to do. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. You've got to work hard - that’s the bottom line.”
Scott came to Utah weighing about 205 pounds. The strength program built him up to a solid 230 pounds. Then they said, “Scott you're bigger now but you've got to get quicker and more mobile.” Scott responded by increasing his efforts on jumping rope, plyometrics, box jumping, triple jumps and power skips. “T was very tight,” said Scott, “So Coach Varner really worked hard on my flexibility. He did primarily PNF stretching with me. I even get massages. It’s great!” Scott believes that it is important for team morale to have a QB in the weight room. Scott stated firmly, “ I want to be seen in the weight room.”
Scott joined Coach Varner’s Commanche Club which was a athletes who would do extraordinary things and sometimes some wild and crazy things. Scott said, “1 wanted to show’em not tell’em. I wanted to do the extra things. Extra things to me are just an opportunity to lead by example. It brings you closer to your teammates.
We'd get up at 2:00 AM to do some fitness thing together. I said to myself that there wasn’t anyone that’s up doing this in the country.”
Scott was All-State in three sports and was recruited as a football-baseball player. He traveled to Stanford, The Parallel Squat is also a Core Lift of Scott Mitchell.
BYU and Utah. Scott also turned down some probaseball offers. “It was smart to go to college,” reflected A QB WITH OPTIONS Scott back to those decision days. “ I wanted my education which was paid for. I was giving myself more opportunities and more roads to travel by turning down baseball.” In a surprise move, Scott Mitchell chose the University of Utah over BYU. Of course BYU has had a long history of great QB’s. However, that was the main reason for going someplace else. According to Scott, “I didn’t want to follow. shadow. I’ve really been able to grow here.” “_was raised probably different. I was never really faced with anyone saying come on get a beer.
But, when I came to the University of Utah, I was challenged. People said at a party, “You mean you don’t even drink, not even one?” They wondered if it was a facade. Then they found out ] was committed to stay clean. Now they respect it “T had six really close friends in high school, so drugs and alcohol were never an issue. wasn’t ever there and | was so involved in athletics. never taken drugs but I’ve been on top of the world with highs in sports. There isn’t anything more satisfying than accomplishing a goal. The key is education. been right next to teammates who have had their lives totally destroyed by drugs. They wanted easy money for no work and wanted it quick.
| learned it doesn’t take much and you go to prison. Those teammates have lost so much and they'll have to live with it forever. Do people really realize what's going on?”
“True success and happiness can only be earned.”
Scott speaks to youth groups sometimes as much as four times per week. Scott has been married to Kim for a Story continued on next page Strength and Conditioning Coach Sam Varner has Scott doa total conditioning program Scott trains with everyone else and as hard as anyone else dedicated as any lineman we've had. He wants to be OB.
He’s a great leader in| everything we do. Scott's a collar work ethic.
Sam Varner, Univ. of Utah Story continued on page 18 Comp.
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SAFEST IMPACT TEXTURE! BOXES WON’T SLIP! ATHLETES WON'T SLIP! 30 Feet Long SCOTT MITCHELL A QB WITH OPTIONS Scott gave these thoughts on education, At first, | little over a year and they speak often together as a important to me. | started out thinking that I’m going to be team. Scott tries to be a role model. a pro but the more successful that I’ve become, the more I in the shoes of a child, remembering how I felt then and what impressed me about my heroes. what they gave me.” just really began with my marriage.
15 years if I’m lucky. last for an eternity. So to me the most important things in the world are my family and the Lord. on this earth to grow and progress. develop my talents but it has to be done with the right perspective.
Hey, if I’m not a great football player the world doesn’t come to an end. - my wife.
Since Scott was red shirted his freshman year and carries a solid 2.85 GPA in Economics, Scott bowed his head respectfully and said, “My life realize its important to cover all my bases.”
It actually takes off pressure. All | nced to do is give my best.
“My wife and my relationship with the Lord are intertwined and that relationship has been priceless.”
Now, Scott Mitchell, the man who undeniably has put life in its proper perspective is in the midst of graduating.
If he turned Pro this spring, he'd only be a in one off-season. So what should he do?
Scott has some unfinished business in college. Perhaps he would Jike to go out a winner with new fireball coach Ron McBride and Jead the Utes to a bowl game.
Scott sagely commented on his thinking process on decision making, “I sit down and analyze the situation Where am I? Where do I need to go? there? You've got to be able to accept criticism. your ego get in the way objectively and honestly.” Whatever pressures involved in his decision will be tempered by his outside life with his new wife Kim.
Mitchell will make the right decision and make the best of choosing an option. Should he stay in college or jump to life. We thank the University of Utah, Sam Varner for this Upper Limit stimulating article.
From BFS Magazine — Winter 1990. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).
