Is it ever too early to be talking Tribe Football? NEVER. As the graduating Class of 2017 exits, and the incoming Class of 2021 (WOW, that’ll make you feel old) enters, your W&M Tribe Football team will get an entirely new look next year. One of the biggest question marks remains at the Quarterback position. At 1:58 in the Tribe Athletics video above, the question was posed to rising Senior WR DeVonte Dedmon, as to which Quarterbacks are already standing out this offseason. It’s interesting to note that the only QB that Dedmon explicitly called out by name was True Freshman Shon Mitchell.

And while it’s too early to anoint any current player on the roster as Steve Cluley‘s replacement, there have been early rumblings about Mitchell since he declared his commitment to W&M this past year. Last Summer, we wrote an in-depth piece about him; at the time, Shon, only a rising high school senior, held offers from William & Mary, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Navy, Charlotte, and strong interest from Nebraska. Despite locking in offers from big-time FBS schools, Shon had already committed to W&M. Why W&M, you ask?

In an article posted by Hero Sports last July, Mitchell stated:

“Everything they have to offer fits me perfectly, I take pride in my education and William & Mary has one of the best education systems around. I have a great relationship with Coach (Kevin) Rogers. The staff keeps everything honest and open with me. I know that I am one of their top priorities. I love their style of offense; I believe that it fits me perfectly and it would give me a good opportunity to make it at the next level.”
“I definitely love the football atmosphere and educational opportunity of going to William & Mary,” Mitchell told HERO Sports. “I have no doubt that the competition in the CAA is top tier as the CAA is one of the best conferences in the nation at the FCS level. I think Coach Laycock is one of the best at what he does, and I have nothing but the highest respect for him.”

During his Senior year, Shon would become the Virginia High School Player of the Year after a season that saw him become the ALL-TIME Virginia High School Passing leader, passing former high school star Philip Sims, and all other Virginia high school quarterbacks, including Michael Vick.

However, with 6 QBs currently on the roster listed in the picture below (Starting top left: Dean Rotger (RFr.), Brandon Battle (So.), Zach Burdick (RFr.), Tommy McKee (Jr.), Shon Mitchell (Fr.), and Theodore Hefter (RFr.,unpictured), there is plenty of football to be played before this is all said and done. If any of you remember the crazy ride that was the offseason of Steve Cluley vs. Raphael Ortiz vs. Jhalil Mosley — anything can happen. One thing is for certain, this year’s Spring Game on April 15 (in just a couple weeks!), could potentially have big implications for the coming season. LET’S GO TRIBE!!!