Husky Talk- Scott Mitchell

A spectacular Husky Talk with UConn Football legendary Defensive Back Scott Mitchell. From Hamden, Connecticut, this was truly a great interview. Scott has a captivating story and was a blast talking with. A freak athlete from in state who never had dreams or aspirations of attending college, Scott has amazing accomplishments. Thank you to Dave Schuman for helping me get in contact with Scott.
Scott didn't play football until pop warner in 7th grade. He attended Notre Dame in West Haven, Connecticut which was an all-boys school. Scott was an outstanding athlete, played everywhere on the field, including as a Quarterback in the Wishbone Offense when he was a junior and senior.
Coach Tom Jackson recently passed away, and his service was held today, every player of his said he was an incredible leader of young men. That he gave guys chances they normally never would have received. Tom Jackson did not coach football after leaving UConn, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
He knew the value of a college scholarship, cultivated his players to be mentally and physically tough while knowing his job was to win games. I never met Coach Jackson, I believe he prepared every kid who came through his program to succeed in life long after football ended. Coach saw the big picture, when you look at where his players have gone in life after graduation, you see a plethora of success stories, Executives, CEO's, Business owners. To change or make a profound difference in someone's life is truly special.
Scott actually ran indoor track as a freshman when he was redshirted and shares a funny story about one of the meets. After, he ended up as a 3-year starter at Safety playing for now Defensive Coordinator of the Chiefs Steve Spagnolo, one of the best defensive minds in NFL History. Scott was a speeding bullet and tells a great story about having to tackle Natrone Means when UConn played against North Carolina.
I related to so much of what Scott said, like taking things day by day, not having a long-term plan. He loves Beverly Sims (Who doesn't?), who was our CPIA counselor, she was able to find him a major he was interested in, and he graduated with a degree in Sports Management or Sports Marketing, Ah, it's all the same!
Scott had a storybook ending with Pam Webber Mitchell, who was a star on the UConn Women's Basketball first ever National Championship Team in 1995. Scott said even going to Friendly's they would get mobbed, and people argue to this day that the women are more popular than the men. They moved closer to her family in State College, PA, where Scott is now the CEO of two YMCA's. A father of 2 children, one is playing sports in college and the other is on their way up. Most certainly, Pam and Scott will be cheering on another athlete competing for a University. I had fun interviewing Scott and this is what Husky Talk is all about. Checking in on our alumni and building a network, as he will try to help me secure other players to catch up with. RIP Coach Jackson.