BOCA RATON, Fla. — The version of Quinyon Mitchell that Corey Parker saw during spring practice was shy and reserved, inconsistent and unsteady.
One play, the sophomore cornerback would break on a ball and knock it away from the wide receiver, and on the next snap he would be out of position and allow a first down. Parker, UT’s first-year cornerbacks coach, saw a player who lacked intensity and mentally removed himself from plays.
Perhaps Mitchell would be an all-conference defensive back, Parker thought.
How about an All-American? After leading the nation with 25 passes defended and ranking eighth with five interceptions, Mitchell was named an All-American by numerous services, including a second-team All-American on the prestigious Walter Camp team.