The hope was high for the Sooners when Michael Hawkins and Davon Mitchell arrived on campus, as many envisioned them as the next iconic duo reminiscent of past quarterback-tight end relationships, such as Sam Bradford and Jermaine Gresham or Baker Mayfield and Mark Andrews. However, as the curtain closes on Mitchell’s brief stint in Norman, the reality is a bit of a disappointment, highlighting the unpredictability of college football.
At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Mitchell was expected to make waves as a tight end. A five-star recruit in the class of 2025, he made the bold move to reclassify to 2024, eager to join Hawkins, his childhood friend and former high school teammate. Choosing the Sooners over powerhouses like Miami and Alabama, it felt like a match made in heaven, with Oklahoma fans anticipating a high-impact arrival. Signed and enrolled by January, the excitement for his potential was palpable.
Despite the buzz, Mitchell couldn’t crack the starting lineup as a true freshman. With each passing game, his name seemed more absent from discussions, and by late September, head coach Brent Venables faced growing inquiries about the young tight end’s status. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope, with Venables emphasizing that Mitchell was making progress—albeit slower than expected.
“He’s someone who needed time to adapt,” Venables said. The coach acknowledged that while Mitchell struggled to hit the ground running, things began to shift positively. “He’s been down on the scout team and it’s been completely and totally different.” For all the distractions and challenges that often accompany the transition to college football, Venables noted how Mitchell began to show improvement, even receiving recognition as the scout team player of the week. His efforts seemed to indicate a turning point, but the promise didn’t translate to playing time during the actual games.
Despite his noted improvements, Mitchell continued to ride the bench, even in instances where depth could have allowed for his involvement. As the season wound down, the unfortunate reality was that his on-field contributions remained non-existent. By springtime, a noticeable weight gain had raised new concerns, leaving Mitchell buried on the depth chart behind established players like converted linebacker Jaren Kanak and transfers Will Huggins and Carson Kent.
Now, with all four years of eligibility still ahead, Mitchell is embarking on a new journey, leaving Oklahoma behind. Sooners fans can’t help but look back and wonder what could have been if circumstances had leaned in his favor. With the tight end position still a point of focus for the team, the Sooners are now looking at a roster that includes six scholarship tight ends, including Huggins, Kanak, Kent, Kade McIntyre, Kaden Helms, and promising true freshman Trynae Washington. As Oklahoma moves forward, the team will need to put the past behind them and focus on developing the talents at their disposal in hopes of solidifying this crucial position moving into the new season.
