Cliff Mitchell was a three-year letter winner at Texas State as a quarterback and wide receiver for the Bobcat football team from 1967-69. Mitchell's career at Texas State was one of leadership, achievement and versatility, as Mitchell was multi-position standout during his time with the Bobcats. Mitchell began his career in 1965 as a redshirt freshman and became a part of the active roster during the 1966 season. In 1967, he set what was then the record for most receiving yards in a single season. That record remains one of the top-10 for any Bobcat in the history of the program. That year, Mitchell averaged 3.7 receptions per game, a mark that is top-10 all-time in Bobcat football history. Mitchell also finished his career in the top-10 for most touchdown receptions in a season.
Gallery: (11-1-2020) Cliff Mitchell Hall of Honor
During the 1968 and 1969 seasons, Mitchell was moved from wide receiver to quarterback and led the Bobcats in passing both years – compiling 1285 yards and 8 touchdowns in 1968 and 1387 yards and 10 touchdowns in 1969. Mitchell, a team captain during the 1969 season, led the team in total offense both seasons and was the team's scoring leader in 1968.
Mitchell was named Lone Star All-Conference in 1967 and earned Lone Star Conference Honorable Mention in both 1968 and 1969.
Mitchell earned accolades both on and off the field during his time at Texas State. He was voted Texas State Gallardian in 1968 by the student body. He also received recognition for achievement and leadership in physical education in both 1969 and 1970, an annual award given to a student by the School of Education.
Mitchell earned his degree from Texas State in 1970, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in education with an emphasis in health and physical education-biology. He continued his schooling and quickly earned a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in physical education-guidance and counseling in 1973.
After graduation, Mitchell started an extensive career as both a coach and educator in the state of Texas. Mitchell is a life member of the Texas High School Coaches Association after more than 41 years of service.
As a coach and administrator, Mitchell's career included stops at San Marcos High School, New Braunfels High School, Robert E. Lee High School (San Antonio) and Clark High School (San Antonio) as an assistant football coach and physical education instructor. Mitchell was head football coach and athletic director at Jourdanton High School, Hondo High School and Early High School. While coaching at Jourdanton, New Braunfels and Clark, Mitchell's teams participated in 14 years of UIL Football Playoffs.
Mitchell is also a member of the Texas State Teachers Association and the Texas High School Football Coaches Association North All-Star Selection Committee. In his role as athletic director at Jourdanton, Mitchell was instrumental in the implementation of the school's baseball program.
Mitchell is currently employed with the Early Independent School District as a teacher and assistant football coach. Prior to his current position, Mitchell was the Early High School athletic director and football head coach from 1993-2000. In 2002, he was named Early High School Teacher of the Year.
Mitchell fills his leisure time as an elder at the Brownwood Presbyterian Church and giving to his community as a member of the Early Lions Club. In 1993, he started the Early Little Longhorn football program, a program designed to mentoring elementary school students on the importance of education and physical fitness. Mitchell is also a life member of the Texas National Guard Association.
A native of Luling, Texas, Mitchell resides in Early, Texas with his wife Connie. Their son, Dan Mitchell, graduated from Texas State with an agricultural business degree. He and his wife, Cassie, live in Martindale. Their daughter, Britni Mitchell Johnson, was a member of the Texas State Strutters and graduated with a liberal arts degree from Texas State. She and her husband, Derek, make their home in Austin with their two daughters, 6-year-old Orien and 4-year-old Baylea.
