Fresno State Athletics
Aaron Mitchell: Born to Ball
11/28/2017 9:00:00 AM | Football
Fresno State senior center Aaron Mitchell has started 36 consecutive games heading into Saturday's Mountain West Championship game.
For Fresno State senior captain and starting center Aaron Mitchell, playing football always seemed like a foregone conclusion. With his father, Anthony, playing college football at Oklahoma and three older brothers, he grew up around the game. Only playing flag football as a youth, he did not get his start with tackle football until his freshman year of high school.
Raised in Oceanside, California, that late start into the sport did not make him the biggest fan of the game initially, but at the urging of his mother to keep with it, he went out for his sophomore season and finding some success while growing into his body made his way onto the varsity team.
Helping lead his high school team, Central Catholic, to an 11-2 record and a San Diego Section 1 championship as a senior in 2013, he knew his dream was to follow his father's footsteps and play at the collegiate level.
Needing only one opportunity, he was blessed with that opportunity by Fresno State.
"I just needed one team to give me one ounce of hope and I knew I would take it there and Fresno State gave me that chance and I would not want to play anywhere else. They do really take you in here and Fresno is my home now."
Taking an official visit during his senior season, his traveling party was down one important member as his father had just had cataract surgery and was unable to come on the trip to Fresno State. Forced to make the best of the situation, Mitchell and his mother, Michelle, had to take plenty of photos and explain the trip through pictures so he could experience it like they had.
As fate would have it, Mitchell ended up sitting next to a former Bulldog player, Chris Williams (1991-92), on the plane ride from San Diego to Fresno for his official visit as Williams did not hold back expressing his love for Fresno State football and the tradition of being a Fresno State football player. Coming from a tight-knit high school community, Mitchell sensed a similar feeling at Fresno State and knew he would feel at home as a Bulldog.
Only making one appearance as a true freshman in 2014, Mitchell knew more playing time would come his way if he kept putting in the hard work, but he no longer had a redshirt season to utilize and didn't get an extra year to grow and to become a better football player.
"I realized you have to take things like that in stride and have to make the best of your opportunities you do get and you can't go back and change anything."
Continuing to get bigger and stronger, Mitchell started all 12 games in 2015 at left guard and all 12 games in 2016 split between left guard and center, but unfortunately the 'Dogs struggled to only four wins on the field.
That experience was very humbling for the burly offensive lineman as he was not accustomed to losing, but that experience truly taught him the importance of staying together as a team and has made winning this season that much sweeter.
"Having that personal experience of enduring an 1-11 season, which is something I would never wish upon anyone and having been at the lowest of lows, it so much sweeter to be back near the top this season," said Mitchell.
With a new coaching staff coming into the fold this season, his third different coaching change in his career, Mitchell could immediately tell the first time he met head coach Jeff Tedford that he truly cared about the program and the image that is presented as a Bulldog family and a Bulldog team.
"He never really ever talked about the big picture, but focused more on the little small details that will help you have success long term," remembers Mitchell.
Introduced to new position coaches as well, including offensive line coach Ryan Grubb, Mitchell liked what he saw.
"Coach Grubb is one of the best offensive line coach I have had and he brings a different type of juice and he loves the game," Mitchell said. "Coach Tedford did a great job of bringing back some coaches who played here when Fresno State was going really strong and they really care about this place and have a sense of what it is like to wear the Bulldog red and that helped create unity in the team."
That unity has been on display this season as the Bulldogs have set a new program mark for the largest single-season turnaround going from one win to nine wins surpassing the previous best of seven wins from 1929 to 1930.
"It is awesome to get back on the winning track and it made all the losing and growing pains we have had to endure the last two seasons that much sweeter and you really savor every moment," Mitchell said.
"I only got to sing the Bulldog spirit song one time last year and now this year I cannot wait until the next time I get to sing it, because those are the memories I will have for a lifetime with my brothers. That is what college football is all," said Mitchell.
Helping the 'Dogs to that success has been newcomers at quarterback, junior Marcus McMaryion and new faces in the backfield in freshman Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims. With Mitchell being the senior leader, he has helped the newcomers get acclimated to the offense.
"We have a young running back group that is very talented and I always want to be there for guys if they need help," Mitchell said. "With Marcus coming in at quarterback this season, he has done a great job of going to work right away learning the playbook. He has not been afraid to ask questions and we always watch film together and he knows if he has any questions, he can always come to me."
Looking to always be a leader, Mitchell takes that same approach in his position group as he lends a helping hand to any young offensive lineman.
One guy he has created a strong bond with is fellow Oceanside native Christian Cronk.
"He is my little brother and being able to play with him here is awesome," Mitchell said of the 6-foot-5 305-pound offensive tackle. "We are cut from the same cloth being from the same area and I make sure he stays dialed in. Every Thursday night we come in and watch film together and make sure we are prepared for that week's game."
It is those bonds with his teammates that Mitchell values the most and ones that he will carry with him long after his playing days as a Bulldog are done.
"I would have to say the overall experience of being at Fresno State is something I will remember for the rest of my life," he said. "It is why I got a Bulldog tattooed on the inside of my arm, not just because I played football, but I have met best friends here and guys that will be in my wedding. The experience of being on the team and creating bonds that will last forever and the brotherhood that is something I will remember forever," says Mitchell.
A teammate who has been with him every step of the way is fifth-year offensive lineman David Patterson who has seen Mitchell grow up in front of his eyes.
"He has certainly grown a lot since he got here," Patterson said. "Not just physically, but he has become a real leader and comes out and gets the offensive lineman going. He is vocal and comes out and gives it his all every day. You can tell he really cares about the team and puts in the time to be his best."
Even in their short time together, Grubb has seen those same qualities emerge from Mitchell as he become a true leader this season.
"He is the heart and soul of the offensive line and you can extend to that to the rest of the offense," said the first-year head coach. "He has been instrumental in our success and he is always pushing guys to do extra work and that is the only way you can get better is when you have those types of leaders."
With his Bulldog football career winding to end, Mitchell sees the light at the end of tunnel as he hopes to stay involved in the game in some capacity for a long time to come whether it being a coach or in another position.
With his father paving the way, Mitchell has been supported by his family every step of the way in his collegiate football journey. A journey that always seemed destined to happen.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Raised in Oceanside, California, that late start into the sport did not make him the biggest fan of the game initially, but at the urging of his mother to keep with it, he went out for his sophomore season and finding some success while growing into his body made his way onto the varsity team.
Helping lead his high school team, Central Catholic, to an 11-2 record and a San Diego Section 1 championship as a senior in 2013, he knew his dream was to follow his father's footsteps and play at the collegiate level.
Needing only one opportunity, he was blessed with that opportunity by Fresno State.
"I just needed one team to give me one ounce of hope and I knew I would take it there and Fresno State gave me that chance and I would not want to play anywhere else. They do really take you in here and Fresno is my home now."
Taking an official visit during his senior season, his traveling party was down one important member as his father had just had cataract surgery and was unable to come on the trip to Fresno State. Forced to make the best of the situation, Mitchell and his mother, Michelle, had to take plenty of photos and explain the trip through pictures so he could experience it like they had.
As fate would have it, Mitchell ended up sitting next to a former Bulldog player, Chris Williams (1991-92), on the plane ride from San Diego to Fresno for his official visit as Williams did not hold back expressing his love for Fresno State football and the tradition of being a Fresno State football player. Coming from a tight-knit high school community, Mitchell sensed a similar feeling at Fresno State and knew he would feel at home as a Bulldog.
Only making one appearance as a true freshman in 2014, Mitchell knew more playing time would come his way if he kept putting in the hard work, but he no longer had a redshirt season to utilize and didn't get an extra year to grow and to become a better football player.
"I realized you have to take things like that in stride and have to make the best of your opportunities you do get and you can't go back and change anything."
Continuing to get bigger and stronger, Mitchell started all 12 games in 2015 at left guard and all 12 games in 2016 split between left guard and center, but unfortunately the 'Dogs struggled to only four wins on the field.
That experience was very humbling for the burly offensive lineman as he was not accustomed to losing, but that experience truly taught him the importance of staying together as a team and has made winning this season that much sweeter.
"Having that personal experience of enduring an 1-11 season, which is something I would never wish upon anyone and having been at the lowest of lows, it so much sweeter to be back near the top this season," said Mitchell.
With a new coaching staff coming into the fold this season, his third different coaching change in his career, Mitchell could immediately tell the first time he met head coach Jeff Tedford that he truly cared about the program and the image that is presented as a Bulldog family and a Bulldog team.
"He never really ever talked about the big picture, but focused more on the little small details that will help you have success long term," remembers Mitchell.
Introduced to new position coaches as well, including offensive line coach Ryan Grubb, Mitchell liked what he saw.
"Coach Grubb is one of the best offensive line coach I have had and he brings a different type of juice and he loves the game," Mitchell said. "Coach Tedford did a great job of bringing back some coaches who played here when Fresno State was going really strong and they really care about this place and have a sense of what it is like to wear the Bulldog red and that helped create unity in the team."
That unity has been on display this season as the Bulldogs have set a new program mark for the largest single-season turnaround going from one win to nine wins surpassing the previous best of seven wins from 1929 to 1930.
"It is awesome to get back on the winning track and it made all the losing and growing pains we have had to endure the last two seasons that much sweeter and you really savor every moment," Mitchell said.
"I only got to sing the Bulldog spirit song one time last year and now this year I cannot wait until the next time I get to sing it, because those are the memories I will have for a lifetime with my brothers. That is what college football is all," said Mitchell.
Helping the 'Dogs to that success has been newcomers at quarterback, junior Marcus McMaryion and new faces in the backfield in freshman Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims. With Mitchell being the senior leader, he has helped the newcomers get acclimated to the offense.
"We have a young running back group that is very talented and I always want to be there for guys if they need help," Mitchell said. "With Marcus coming in at quarterback this season, he has done a great job of going to work right away learning the playbook. He has not been afraid to ask questions and we always watch film together and he knows if he has any questions, he can always come to me."
Looking to always be a leader, Mitchell takes that same approach in his position group as he lends a helping hand to any young offensive lineman.
One guy he has created a strong bond with is fellow Oceanside native Christian Cronk.
"He is my little brother and being able to play with him here is awesome," Mitchell said of the 6-foot-5 305-pound offensive tackle. "We are cut from the same cloth being from the same area and I make sure he stays dialed in. Every Thursday night we come in and watch film together and make sure we are prepared for that week's game."
It is those bonds with his teammates that Mitchell values the most and ones that he will carry with him long after his playing days as a Bulldog are done.
"I would have to say the overall experience of being at Fresno State is something I will remember for the rest of my life," he said. "It is why I got a Bulldog tattooed on the inside of my arm, not just because I played football, but I have met best friends here and guys that will be in my wedding. The experience of being on the team and creating bonds that will last forever and the brotherhood that is something I will remember forever," says Mitchell.
A teammate who has been with him every step of the way is fifth-year offensive lineman David Patterson who has seen Mitchell grow up in front of his eyes.
"He has certainly grown a lot since he got here," Patterson said. "Not just physically, but he has become a real leader and comes out and gets the offensive lineman going. He is vocal and comes out and gives it his all every day. You can tell he really cares about the team and puts in the time to be his best."
Even in their short time together, Grubb has seen those same qualities emerge from Mitchell as he become a true leader this season.
"He is the heart and soul of the offensive line and you can extend to that to the rest of the offense," said the first-year head coach. "He has been instrumental in our success and he is always pushing guys to do extra work and that is the only way you can get better is when you have those types of leaders."
With his Bulldog football career winding to end, Mitchell sees the light at the end of tunnel as he hopes to stay involved in the game in some capacity for a long time to come whether it being a coach or in another position.
With his father paving the way, Mitchell has been supported by his family every step of the way in his collegiate football journey. A journey that always seemed destined to happen.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
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