Nigel is an ESPN 150 watch list candidate and has us in his Top 5. He would be a great get for us. Here is their evaluation of him:
"Expect Mitchell-Thorton's recruiting to heat up this spring as more college coaches view his film. This kid possesses the size, speed and burst off the edge to rush the pass-rusher that is highly-coveted at the next level. He possesses a tall, rangy body that should fill out with great bulk in a college weight-training program. Takes a lot of snaps on the line of scrimmage and shows raw strength and good shedding technique; keeps defenders off his body with his long arms. Naturally well laterally and his pursuit through traffic should improve with added experience. Generates speed quickly in the short-area and closes on the football with great acceleration. Explosive in space and will run through tacklers with good power. Can wreak havoc when attacking off the edge with his first step quickness, bend, long wingspan, high-motor and speed; should develop into an excellent blitzer and pass-rusher at the next level. Flashes great range chasing sideline-to-sideline with good pursuit angles; this kid has football speed that might not test well at a combine. Hips, turns and fluidity in coverage are good; does not lose much in transition when opening to his drop. While he shows good redirection skills, he can play high at times and needs to improve his base and pad level at the point of attack. Diagnosing skill will need some improvement as well when stacked in the box. Mitchell-Thorton might slip through the cracks with his inexperience as a true linebacker but this kid possesses all the physical intangibles to develop into a disruptive perimeter 'backer at the next level. Would fit well in 3-4 scheme on the outside."
Notes
Holding approximately 20 scholarship offers (June 2008, BullDawgJunction.com). 2007: Registered 104 tackles and six sacks. Second team all-state. Benches 345... Squats 545... 4.72 40-yard dash... 34-inch vertical. Also recruited by Maryland, Wake Forest, Duke, Central Florida... 40-4.72 SH-4.38 VJ-30.5 PB-38-00 SPARQ-96.45
