With the transfer portal closing on Sunday, the Wildcats have been busy continuing to add depth and experience to the locker room ahead of next season. On Friday, Arizona received a commitment from former Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke, and on Saturday, the Wildcats landed a pledge from ex-Utah running back Mike Mitchell.
The 6-foot-0, 200-pound Rockwall, Texas native gives the Wildcats an experienced backup at quarterback behind Noah Fifita. Locke moved into the starting role after Tyler Van Dyke suffered a season-ending injury against Wisconsin. This season he completed 164 out 296 pass attempts (55.4%), 1,936 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions this season. He tacked on another four scores on the ground. In his career, Locke has over 2,700 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Locke, who began his career at Mississippi State, will have two years of eligibility remaining.
Running back Mike Mitchell comes to Tucson after spending the last two years in Salt Lake City. After not appearing in a game as a true freshman, Mitchell appeared in 11 games this season, carrying the ball 47 times for 158 yards and a touchdown. The 6-foot-0, 216-pound Orange Park, Florida native will have three years of eligibility remaining.
With Quali Conley and Jacory Croskey-Merritt exhausting their eligibility, and Rayshon “Speedy” Luke entering the transfer portal, Mitchell is a key addition to the Wildcats’ running back room. He will join returners Kedrick Reescano and Kayden Luke, as well as Texas State transfer Ismail Mahdi.
Braedyn Locke and Mike Mitchell are the 16th and 17th additions through the transfer portal for Arizona. While the transfer portal closes for new entrants on Sunday, that does not mean the Wildcats are done adding new players.