2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zaire Mitchell, TE, Notre Dame College

Zaire Mitchell Notre Dame College — Notre Dame College’s huge target at tight end, Zaire Mitchell, recently sat down with Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams

Name: Zaire Mitchell
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 240 lbs
Position: TE
College: Notre Dame College
Twitter: @ZaireMitchell

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Notre Dame College is a small private school that doesn’t get the recognition that it should because no one’s ever heard of it before unless they pass through Cleveland. They have a great education system. The teachers are great and are willing to help if you’re sometimes in need. I major in Management as well. Campus life really is about learning and growing for me. You will learn that it is some people in your life that will come and go and people are always around the school to chill with.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I would say learning and expanding also communication because if something needs to be corrected we’re all in together and that’s what is best for a team when you’re making it deep in the playoffs.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a leader by example. Since I’m tall I receive a lot of attention while on the field because I’m a target to a lot of teams, and it’s my job to control my anger and discipline myself in certain situations. Tightend never felt better playing in college. It kind of makes me feel like I’m an O-lineman mixed with a wide receiver.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

There’s one guy that plays for Slippery Rock, a wide receiver, quick, good moves, always in that Zone. I forgot His name!

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jaleel McLaughlin! Man, he’s always doing something no one else is doing and that’s working while everyone else is doing other things. Like one time I seen leel running on the field later one night after we had a game and I’m like “I know my body tired” but he continues to drive himself and run to keep his mind in the right place.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Me and my Mother moving from Jersey and having to live in a one bedroom apartment. It took us about two years to get out of that struggle and move and that drives me everyday!

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball

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What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I’m proud that I am the first generation grandkid to make it to college and graduate high school.

My biggest achievement is me continuing my years in school and working to get a degree which I am very close to getting!

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

When we played Fairmont University and CB aka Chris Brim threw up a lob and me catching it over two guys was intense.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

I don’t really have any favorites. There’s a lot of tight ends that I admire. I strive to be a good all around player like Travis Kelce and one day catch a touchdown in the Super Bowl.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

No favorite artist, but I have a lot of music I listen to before game like Drake, Maryland rapper Q Da Fool, Roddy Ricch

What is your favorite comfort food?

Fried chicken! I love it.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Avengers Hulk

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

I play the drums, and I also do community service every second day of the month feeding the homeless.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My grandparents. Watching them move to Texas from Jersey to better themselves drives me, and my hard working mother who’s always working and I couldn’t do without her and God.