Washburn University secured Topeka Hayden’s best athlete on signing day, February 4, landing Topeka Hayden standout Kade Mitchell.
Mitchell capped a standout senior season for the Wildcats with statewide recognition. He was named to the 3A All-State Defensive First Team and earned honorable mention on special teams.
Offensively, Mitchell was a key piece of Hayden’s attack. He rushed for 1,003 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 23 receptions for 471 yards and seven touchdowns.
On special teams, Mitchell proved to be a game-changer, recording two punt returns for touchdowns and adding one kickoff return touchdown.
Mitchell invited DRSportz Midwest Scout “Coach Buckets” to be part of his signing-day celebration.
DR Sportz: You chose Washburn over many other offers. What stood out to you?
Mitchell: The first time I really got on campus, I really liked it. It really felt like home. It really wasn’t a place I was originally looking at, but once I got the offer, everything just seemed right and fell into place.
DR Sportz: You are a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Where are you projected to see the field?
Mitchell: I’m going to play defensive back at Washburn. They’ve got me at defensive back. I’ll probably play free safety if I had to guess right now.
DR Sportz: Besides your ability and success on the field, what do you feel led to your multiple offers? Was it showing up at camps, reaching out to coaches, or building relationships with coaching staffs?
Mitchell: Yeah, reaching out to coaches definitely helps. And then camps were big too in helping me out.
DR Sportz: What advice do you have for class of 2027 and 2028 players who want to gain exposure?
Mitchell: Reach out to as many coaches as you can. Get your name out there as much as you can. Be patient, it’s a grind for sure. Just stay patient and keep getting your name out there.
DR Sportz: Did you go onto college program’s websites and fill out recruiting questionnaires?
Mitchell: Yes, that’s a huge part as well.
DR Sportz: And was getting your NCAA ID apart of your recruiting process?
Mitchell: Yes, getting my NCAA ID helped coaches reach out to me and filling out those questionnaires allowed them to get my information over to them. Fill out as many as you can. Talk to college coaches and get your name out to college coaches.
