Senior AJ Mitchell has had a passion for football since he was young.
“I played football with my cousins all the time in St. Louis,” Mitchell said.
He is from St. Louis, Missouri originally, and has moved six times. He’s been to multiple places like Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
This is his most recent move. His dad is a pilot in the military.
He’s traveled around but continued his passion for playing football.
“I loved playing football for my last school in Texas,” Mitchell said.
For his last school, he played as a starter, wide receiver, and cornerback.
“I remember my interception and it was so exciting for me because it was one of my first ones, and to celebrate with my teammates afterwards was amazing,” Mitchell said.
While he started for his last high school, Mitchell had to adjust to Derby football.
He came to Derby in March of 2023.
“It’s different from my last school because I had to start over and remember all the plays here,” Mitchell said.
“I didn’t get much playing because I had to remember the plays, I played a lot on JV, and watched varsity,” Mitchell said.
Last year might’ve been a struggle for Mitchell, previous year but it got easier for him.
“It’s a lot easier because when I go on the field, I can just react to the play and not have to think about it,” Mitchell said.
Even though he isn’t a starter, he is always striving to improve his abilities.
His father helps him push his limits in not just football, but life, that no matter what you need to work hard to succeed.