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Receiver shines for run-happy Wolf Pack

Mitchell is the sixth Nevada player to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.

BY CHADD CRIPE - ccripe@idahostatesman.com

Published: 12/28/08


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At a school known for its productive wideouts, few have contributed as much as Nevada senior Marko Mitchell.

Mitchell, a junior-college transfer from York, Ala., is the sixth player in school history to post consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

And he has done it during a time when the Wolf Pack have become one of the nation's best running teams.

Mitchell ranks second in the WAC in receiving yards (1,011), sixth in receptions (56) and is tied for first in touchdown catches (nine). The senior was named to the All-WAC first team.

"Whether the defense is looking at him and taking a couple people out of the run game or they lock him up 1-on-1, his presence on the field does great things for this offense," sophomore quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. "His numbers show he's out there making plays."

Mitchell, who didn't play much football in high school and wasn't recruited, started his college career at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College. He had 34 catches for 719 yards and eight touchdowns - and landed a scholarship offer from Nevada.

He started seven games in 2006, scoring the Pack's only touchdown in the MPC Computers Bowl loss to Miami in Boise.

He was a full-time starter in 2007, leading the team with 53 catches for 1,129 yards and eight touchdowns. His 21.3-yard average per catch was second-best in the nation.

And he backed it up with a terrific 2008, with an 18.1-yard average and a touchdown in eight of his team's 12 games.

"They kind of see me as that big deep threat," said Mitchell, who is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.

He operates in an offense that runs the ball on 60 percent of the plays. Rather than complain, he said, he considers the offense a chance to prove to NFL scouts that he can block, too.

"You're a team player," he said. "You've got to block for the running backs, too."

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