NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mitchell Arendsen, DE, Albion College

Mitchell Arendsen
Mitchell Arendsen (#91) is a dominating defensive lineman at Albion College. Over the past 2 years, he’s already made All-MIAA Conference First Team twice and has tallied 33.5 tackles for loss. He recently told his story to Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Mitchell Arendsen
  • Height: 6’5”
  • Weight: 265 lbs
  • Position: DE
  • College: Albion College
  • Twitter: @MitchArendsen

Tell us about your university/college. Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Albion college is a great small town college where everyone knows each other! Saturdays in the fall are blast seeing everyone at the games packed into the stadium! Besides class and football I also work two jobs on campus and one off campus to fill my time. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Hard work and constant effort. 

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 on the team. To me this means working hard day in and day out along with bringing other guys along and helping them become the best they can be. In my time at Albion I’ve played all across the defensive line, but I would say that DE fits my skill set the best. We have multiple different packages, but I think a 5 Technique or 4i technique fits me best. The 5 allows me to rush the edge in pass situations and the 4i has been great for me in the run game. 

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

Brady Eding, he is big athletic Tackle that always bring  his A game on Saturday. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

WR Justin Thomas. Justin is an incredible playmaker for us. You can always count on Justin to make an offensive play when it’s needed most. He’s a guy who’s full of energy and brings it to practice and on Saturdays. 

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

Early on in college I think I struggled with time management. I had to learn to reach out when I needed help and I also had to learn how to not overload myself with to many commitments. 

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

Lacrosse, I played on my high school team and briefly looked into the possibility of playing at the collegiate level. 

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

Being a two time All conference selection is something that I’m really proud of. Football is a team game and I’m not really into awards but it has been nice to have my play recognized by the conference. 

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

We were playing a conference rival in a close game. They were going for the two point conversion near the end of the game. I had picked up on their signals and called out their play to our defense, forcing them to call time out and change it up. After the time out they came and ran the ball right at me and I shed the block from the right tackle and made the TFL. 

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

JJ Watt for sure. He is gritty, high energy, and makes plays while doing his job. He can move up and down the line and that versatility is something I strive for. 

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

My favorite artist is either Luke combs or Thomas Rhett but pregame is all about getting in the right mental zone for the game. 

What is your favorite comfort food?

A good medium rare steak and some sweet potatoes 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

The lion king has always been my favorite movie! It’s a classic

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

I golf with my dad when we can find time. I live pretty close to Lake Michigan so being able to get out and take advantage of the beach is always a plus. 

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family and pushing myself to be the best version of me I can be. Family is everything to me and being a part of that means putting in max effort to make them proud. I am my own motivator as well. There is never a point in life where growth is done. In life or in sports you can always be better, so everyday is all about how can I be better today? 

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