Wisconsin was already facing the challenge of replacing three starters from its 2012 defensive secondary. Now, it appears one of those players expected to take over a starting job may be leaving as well.
Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote Wednesday that “the UW staff anticipates rising redshirt freshman safety Reggie Mitchell won’t be with the team in the fall.” No reason for the staff expecting a departure was given.
It was subsequently reported that Mitchell has been released from his UW scholarship and will transfer to Pittsburgh.
The school has declined to comment publicly on Mitchell’s status for summer camp and beyond.
In May, first-year Badgers head coach Gary Andersen was very clear during a radio interview that he fully expected Mitchell to emerge as one of his starters at safety.
“I’m excited about what he did,” Andersen said during the interview. “I believe as a freshman coming in he is going to lock down one of those safety spots.”
Mitchell played in one game in 2012 before taking a redshirt for his true freshman season.
(Photo credit: Wisconsin athletics)