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Bulldog senior Nic Mitchell embraces opportunity for one more game

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones12/24/25PaulJonesOn3

Nic Mitchell has experienced his share of changes throughout his Mississippi State career, including three different head coaches. On January 2nd, the Bulldog senior linebacker will cap off that career in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C., against Wake Forest (8-4).

Entering that bowl game, Mitchell is coming off his best regular season as a Bulldog. The Florida native ranks first on the team with sacks (2.5), second in tackles (72) and third in tackles for loss (5).

Recently, Mitchell met with the media to discuss his final college appearance among other topics:

Q: What the spirit of the team been like since finding out about the bowl game?
Mitchell: At first, it was a lot of shock and a lot of guys were out of town. Once we got the guys back, there’s a lot of excitement. You’ve got another opportunity to play football? Why would you not? Have fun with something like this.

Q: What’s it been like re-connecting with Zach Arnett and Matt Brock?
Mitchell: Those guys recruited me. So I’m familiar with those guys. They’re great coaches. I’m excited for them and excited for their future.

Q: What did you initially think when you found out about the bowl game?
Mitchell: I was excited. I get another opportunity to suit up with my brothers. It’s a blessing.

Q: Had you left town yet when you found out about the bowl game?
Mitchell: I was still here finishing up school.

Q: With Tony Mitchell entering the portal and Isaac Smith out (injury), who do you think steps into that role for the bowl game?
Mitchell: Right now we’re going to roll a couple of guys, a couple of safeties, try to fit some guys and see what they can handle it down there.

Q: What is the role of Arnett and Brock right now in practice?
Mitchell: Coach Arnett is helping with scout and stuff like that. It’s not his defense yet, so he can’t get too involved. He’s just helping out with scouts and stuff like that.

Q: What have you learned about Wake Forest so far?
Mitchell: They have a good quarterback who can run. He can hurt you with his legs. You always got to take that into consideration when that pops up on the tape. We know that’s a threat and they have good speed on the outside, too.

Q: What are your plans for after the bowl game?
Mitchell: I’ll train for the NFL Pro Day.

Q: With Robby Ashford at quarterback for Wake Forest, did you play against him when he was at Auburn?
Mitchell: I didn’t get in the game, but I know he can run. The kid’s fast so we have to control that.

Q: What is your mindset going into your final game at Mississippi State?
Mitchell: I just want to go out on a happy note and finish strong. This group, this team, these seniors have been through a lot. So it would mean everything to me if we can go out there and finish strong, and bring home the bowl game championship.

Q: What’s your assessment of the young linebackers on this team?
Mitchell: Those guys are extremely athletic. Tyler Lockhart can run and get sideline to sideline. Jaylen (Smith) and DG (Derion Gullette), all those guys are extremely athletic. I’m excited for that group. They are going to be great in the future.

Q: What do you think about Jeff Lebby possibly getting mayo dumped on him?
Mitchell: I hate mayo. It makes me cringe. I just hope he closes his mouth when he gets poured on.

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