Stanford lands commitment from standout QB Michael Mitchell

San Francisco (Calif.) Riordan quarterback Michael Mitchell just announced he’ll play his college ball at Stanford.

“I have developed a great relationship with coach (Andrew) Luck,” Mitchell said. “I see his vision for the program, and I’m excited to be a part of it.

“Growing up I remember watching great players come in and out of Stanford and be a national powerhouse. I want to help return it to that status.”

The Cardinal just hired Tavita Pritchard to run the program and Mitchell said he’s excited by the hire.

“I’m really excited about the hiring of Coach Pritchard, and I can’t wait to learn and play under him,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell de-committed from Vanderbilt two weeks ago and immediate speculation turned to Stanford. The Cardinal offered over the summer and stayed on Mitchell throughout the fall.

Mitchell took a visit to Stanford when the Cardinal blew out Cal and he decided to pull the trigger moments ago.

The Crusaders are 12-0 and just won their first Open Division CCS Championship last weekend. Mitchell has been nearly flawless this season and has completed 189-279 passes (67%), for 3,471 yards and 46 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

He has another 358 yards and two more scores on the ground and is among the region’s top quarterbacks prospects.

We’ve been watching Mitchell since he was just a freshman and he just keeps getting better every time out. He  gets dinged a bit for his size but one of the few sub 6-0 quarterbacks worth betting on.

We’ve always said if you’re an undersized quarterback, you better be exceptional in every other area and Mitchell is. He has a smooth, tight release and underrated arm talent.

He’s accurate to all three levels of the field, throws a tight, catchable ball and is a high level processor who throws with timing and anticipation.

Mitchell moves well in and out of the pocket, is poised beyond his years and is a natural leader who should develop in to a multi-year starter for the Cardinal.