Dandy Dozen: Tymon Mitchell, a Franklin Road Academy defensive tackle, ready for big things

Tymon Mitchell is ready for big things at Franklin Road Academy.

Two years removed from a 1-9 season, Mitchell is one of the headliners for the Panthers, who reached the second round of the playoffs in 2017. He and Lance Wilhoite, an Oregon commitment, lead FRA into its second season in Division II-AA.

"I've never been more excited for a season than I am this year," Mitchell said. "This year I feel like we have some talent."

Mitchell is one of those athletes with a rich amount of talent.

Mitchell, a 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle, is No. 9 in The Tennessean Dandy Dozen, a collection of the top 12 college football prospects from the Nashville area as selected by The Tennessean high school sports staff.

Mitchell is the No. 16 prospect in the state according to the 247Sports Composite. He's the No. 24 defensive tackle in the country and 395th prospect overall.

Mitchell, who is also a standout wrestler for the Panthers, recorded 74 tackles with 11 for loss with three sacks in 12 games a year ago.

"He's a big kid with some length and size," FRA coach Bill Whittemore said. "He also has a good work ethic, which makes him good.

"And he's quick off the ball."

Vols, Vanderbilt, Georgia among top schools

Mitchell lists Georgia, Louisville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia as his top five schools. Whichever place he selects, academics will be a big factor.

"Academics will definitely be a big part in my decision," said Mitchell. "I want to make sure academics is solid wherever I go."

But does that mean he would stay in town?

"I could see myself going to Vanderbilt," Mitchell said. "I talk to (Vanderbilt) coach (Derek) Mason about every other day."

Whittemore said Mitchell's intelligence has been key on the field as a defensive and offensive lineman for FRA.

"That's one of the things that makes him special," he said. "We love that. That's the type of school we are and why he's perfect for FRA and what we want to send out."

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 and tkreager@tennessean.com or on Twitter @Kreager.

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The Dandy Dozen

The Dandy Dozen is a collection of the top 12 college football prospects in the Nashville area as selected by The Tennessean high school sports staff. The Tennessean began to release The Dandy Dozen on Wednesday.

Wednesday: No. 12, Jackson Hannah, MBA linebacker

Thursday: No. 11: Jashon Watkins, East Nashville athlete

Friday: No. 10: Joseph Anderson, Oakland defensive end

Saturday: No. 9: Tymon Mitchell, FRA defensive tackle