2021 PFN Player Profile: Mekai Mitchell, East Allegheny @MitchellMekai @AlleghenyEast @EAFootballCoach

Tagged under: District 7, News, Player Previews

David Burnworth | June 21, 2021

Mekai Mitchell
MLB, RB
East Allegheny
Class of: 2022
6’0 ft. 230 lbs.
3.6 GPA
3x Team Captain
1st Team All-Conference

Which position do you like playing best Linebacker or Running back?

Linebacker

In watching your hudl highlights you play linebacker like former Ohio State great Jack Tatum and as a running back you are like another former Buckeye Pete Johnson. What I mean by that is you hit hard and you seem to look for contact when running the ball. Who, if anyone do you pattern your style after at each position?

On defense, I tried to mirror players like Ray Lewis and Luke Kuechley. For offense, I actually never played running back until I got to high school so being a bigger back I was always just told to get downfield, and being from Pittsburgh I was inspired by Jerome Bettis.

The last East Allegheny team to win 8 games was back during the 2004-2005 season. What will it take for the team to equal or better that this season?

With the talent we have on our roster I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we could get 9 or even 10 if we stay focused and on the right path.

What goals have you set for yourself and then for the team?

For myself, coming off of a second knee surgery in a year my goal is to fully recover and have a good season to get back on to more school’s radars. For the team, I really believe we can win our section and a WPIAL championship this season.

What is your favorite part of practice?

Weightlifting.

What have you done during the offseason to make you a better player?

I’ve been lifting and I go to NextLevelFitness to work on my speed and agility

How big of a deal is it to yourself as far as earning a bid to play in one of the All-Star games after your senior season.

It would be nice but it’s definitely not a priority.

Playstation or X-Box?

Playstation.

What is the one sport you wish you could play but lack the skills to?

Definitely basketball.

What advice would you give to that 7th grader before he takes the field for the first time?

Be coachable, pay attention and take in as much knowledge as you can. Being able to take tips and use them to get better can really push you ahead of the crowd.

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