Kingsbury looking for contributions from Ohio State transfer

Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury did not hold back when asked what he has seen from Red Raiders linebacker Mike Mitchell, who transferred from Ohio State prior to last season. 

"He's one of the most physically impressive young men I've ever seen as far as speed and size and strength," Kingsbury told reporters at Big 12 Football Media Days. 

That does not come as a huge surprise considering Mitchell was a five-star recruit as a senior at Prestonwood Christian in Plano, Texas, three years ago. He was the No. 2-rated middle linebacker in the country in the class of 2013 according to Scout.com, but he redshirted that fall as Ohio State went 12-2. 

Following the season, he decided to return to his home state, at least in part to be closer to his ailing father, Ken, and he had to sit out last season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules. 

"I think the year out, he's just got to get back to playing the game, playing that many plays and that many reps," Kingsbury said. "He definitely brings a different side of physicality. Once he gets our system down and gets back in game shape, I think we'll get something out of him."