The Milano Seamen are definitely making moves to defend their title and make further inroads in Europe with the signing of Xavier Mitchell, the leading receiver in the German Football League in 2017.
The 6-foot-1, 187-pound Mitchell from Clarksville, Tenn. (West Creek HS), was actually born in Landstuhl, Germany as both his parents were in the United States Military. Playing for the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes in the German Football League in 2016 and 2017, he became one of the most feared receivers and kick returners in the country and led the league in receiving yardage in 2017 with 96 receptions for 1,377 yards and 18 touchdowns. His two year total with the Hurricanes was 2,228 yards receiving and 28 touchdowns.
Mitchell had an outstanding college career at Kentucky Wesleyan (NCAA Div. II) where he placed No. 5 in NCAA receptions per game (8.4), No. 29 in NCAA punt returns per game (10.3) and No. 34 in NCAA receiving yards per game (85.2).
He also led Kentucky Wesleyan in receptions (84) and was second in receiving yards (852) and receiving touchdowns (6) as a senior. He was also first in punt returns (12) and kickoff returns (19) in starting all 11 games.
Mitchell ended his collegiate career by playing in the fifth annual Division II vs. NAIA Football All-Star Challenge on Dec. 19, in Myrtle Beach, SC. In KWC’s career record book, Mitchell finished second in pass receptions (194); sixth in receiving yards (2,024); eighth in all-purpose yards (2,921), ninth in receiving touchdowns (13), punt return yards (249), punt returns (23) and kick returns (45).
American Football International asked Xavier about his move to Italy.
American Football International: Why did you decide to leave the Hurricanes and sign with Milano?
Xavier Mitchell: One my biggest deciding factors on joining Seaman was the winning tradition that the organization has. Winning three championships in four years is a tremendous task on any level of football. I’ve never won a championship at any level from little league until now. So the possibility of winning in Milan has me extremely excited for the upcoming 2018 season.
AFI: How much do you know about football in Italy?
Mitchell: The Italian league is very competitive, the win in the Big 6 last year was very impressive against the Berlin Rebels who made the playoffs in the North division in the GFL which is extremely tough. I’ll be looking forward working with my new teammates on achieving the goal of winning another championship.
AFI: What do you feel you bring to the team?
Mitchell: I feel like a being to the team a dynamic playmaking ability. I’m a very versatile player I can play multiple positions throughout offensive skill position groups. But most of all I bring great attitude and effort, I’ll be looking forward to competing for another IFL title.