DJ Mitchell has been one of the most under-the-radar recruits in the state of Indiana for a long time. This week, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Class of 2027 cornerback for Franklin Central (Ind.) committed to Miami University (Ohio) and caught up with Midwest Preps about his decision to choose the Redhawks.
“The leading role in me committing here was the environment and the way the mentality in the whole building was to make everyone better,” Mitchell said. “Miami made sure to make me feel like I was already on the team I talked to a few players, met with a couple people who worked with academics, saw the whole campus and I felt like Miami is home.”
The school in far-southwestern Ohio was the first to offer Mitchell on May 8, 2025. The only other school vying for his services throughout his high school career so far has been Eastern Michigan, who offered on June 14. Despite earning a spot on the junior all-state IFCA team, no other programs decided to jump into the mix.
“When they did offer me last spring, I felt relieved that my hard work had finally paid off,” he said. “Miami was the first school to offer me so it felt very relieving that not only I knew, but the colleges knew I could play at the D1 level.”
“The coaches I’ve connected with and been there throughout this process, definitely (defensive backs) Coach (Mitchell) White and (safeties) Coach (Zane) Ries,” he added. “Coach White, he really made me feel at home and made me feel reassured that Miami was the place for me. He was the leading role in this process and I’m looking forward to having him as my coach.”
Mitchell is gearing up for the upcoming fall season where he hopes to help turn the Flashes into contenders. Facing the top, 6A Indiana competition week in and week out, Mitchell will play on both sides of the ball in 2026.
“As a high school player I feel like I could work on just taking that next step and being ‘the guy,’” he said. “I feel like this year I actually get to be the guy and I’m ready for it. I’ll be playing both ways so this is my opportunity to go make the best of it for my senior year. My freshman year of college is gonna be big for me. I plan on coming in and wasting no time being the guy at Miami too.”
Photo: Bryan Ault
