Class 2012: Mitchell Brown, DE, St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens

Today, CFC features class 2012 star defensive end from the St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens, Mitchell Brown. Mitchell began playing football with the Russell Renegades in 2008.

Mitchell Brown

Positions:
Defensive End

Height/Weight:
6’3, 235 lbs

Teams:
St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens (high school)
Ottawa Sooners (OFC)
Cumberland Panthers (bantam NCAFA)
Russell Renegades (recreation)
Team Ontario East under-18

Commitment:
Signed Letter of Intent with Concordia

Class:
2012

Over the course of his young football career, Mitchell has played on several different teams. He started out with a community recreation team, the Russell Renegades in 2008. The star defensive end continued on with the St. Thomas Aquinas Ravens for three seasons (2009-2012). In his rookie year (2009), he was team captain.

While playing for the Cumberland Panthers in the National Capital Amateur Football Association (NCAFA) in 2010, Mitchell was bantam team rookie of the year. The graduating player started as a defensive end for the Ottawa Sooners in the Ontario Football Conference (OFC). Furthermore, he was an NCAFA all-star and an Ottawa East all-star (AIA).

This past season was a successful campaign for Mitchell. Not only was he once again Ravens team captain, but he was also named Seaway Valley defensive line MVP. Moreover, he went to Lethbridge, Alberta and represented Team Ontario East at the Football Canada Cup this past July.

Most recently, Mitchell’s experienced his most memorable football moment as he made his decision to commit to Concordia University next season.

“Faxing my letter of intent was such a relief, knowing that I was actually signed and had the chance to play with a great team under a great coaching staff,” says the future Stingers player. “It was really a weight off my shoulders.”

Making the decision of where to go for university is not an easy one. However, Mitchell knew Concordia was the right fit for him after a visit to the campus.

“I chose Concordia because of how comfortable I felt with everyone there,” comments the Ravens standout. “During my visit, everyone seemed very open and I felt like they truly cared about success for their players.”

The graduating defensive end’s path to success is due in large part to Nicholas Longval. The Ravens head coach has always believed in Mitchell’s potential to become a great player.

“When I first started playing for the community league, he told my mom to transfer me to his school and that he would make something of me,” explains Mitchell. “He definitely led me down the right road, and gave me guidance in life and in the weight room.”

Two NFL players that Mitchell is in awe of are Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamakong Suh and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. He incorporates qualities from each player into his own playing style.

“I really admire Jared Allen’s leadership and how his whole D-squad can rely on him to make plays,” adds the Ravens standout. “Suh impresses me on a weekly basis and I love his strength and intensity combined with his heart and his love for the game.”

Aside from football, Mitchell plays hockey, basketball and track and field. Additionally, he is an NLS certified lifeguard and has a passion for travelling.

“I was born into a military family, having the opportunity to live in a few different places and see some parts of Canada,” adds the Ravens star of his travels.

After graduation from St.Thomas Aquinas, Mitchell will continue his education as he pursues a degree in sociology or anthropology while playing football at Concordia.

For the Ravens star, playing football over the years has taught him a lot of skills he applies into everyday life.

“It has taught me that calling into work sick is not acceptable because you’re part of a team,” explains Mitchell. “It’s taught me leadership, teamwork, dedication and a lot about character.”

While participating in the Ottawa all-star game last year, the future Stingers player came across some words of inspiration which he lives by on a daily basis.

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words,” says Mitchell. “Watch your words, they become your actions.”

“Watch your actions, they become your character. And watch your character, because it will become your destiny.”

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