Italy: Milano Seamen re-sign top WR Xavier Mitchell

AFI | American Football | 10/12/2018

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

The Milano Seamen seem fully intent on aiming for a three-peat as Italian champions and continuing to challenge other teams in Europe in 2019 with the re-signing of Xavier Mitchell, the leading receiver in Italy in 2018 and 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.

Mitchell was a key factor in the Semen’s march to their second straight Italian championship title and fourth in five years. During the regular season he finished with 946 yards and also a league-best 18 TD receptions. He also led the league in touchdowns scored with 22.

In 2016 and 2017, playing for the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes in the German Football League, 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: Why the return to Italy and the Seamen?

Mitchell:

“First, the Milano Seamen have a great organization that always treated me with the upmost respect. From top to bottom everyone apart of the organization truly cares for the team and its players.

Secondly, I love my teammates. I’ve never in my life in my entire career of playing football have I been on a team that was so close. They really took me in and made me feel like family. I love all of those guys.

Third, I had the time of my life in Milan. I haven’t stopped thinking about the pasta and pizza since I left. The city is so beautiful and vibrant with so many different people from so many different walks of life. Going to Milan last year might have been one of the best decisions of my life.”