Card: Upper Deck UT 2011
Acquired: Box Breaker, 11/9/11 Card Traders of Austin UD 2011 UT Football Card Launch Party

I find the fade effect on this card to be passe. Also I question if a landscape card was the right choice for this subject as a portrait shot probably could’ve been much more dynamic. I liked the names that were included in the set, but there is little statistical information included, and the design on the back feels… lazy, along with the numbers and information which feel too small and hard to read, even with someone with great eyes such as myself. Overall it’s a weak effort by Upper Deck, and I think The University of Texas could’ve done better in house.

Hodges Mitchell had the unenviable position of following up Ricky Williams at runningback. A 2 time All-Big 12 selection, he is seventh on the school’s career rushing list with 2,664 yards. A versatile, quick and explosive four-year running back he was one of the Big 12’s top offensive weapons, both as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Mitchell played in 48 career games and started the final 26 contests of his career, participating in three bowl games (1999-2000 Cotton Bowls; 2000 Holiday Bowl). A two-time UT Darrell K Royal Most Valuable Offensive Player and Outstanding Offensive Back (1999-2000), three-time Frank Denius Award Winner and the first player in UT history to post more than 1,000 yards rushing and 300 receiving yards in a season (1999-2000). Hodges was ranked fourth on UT’s career all-purpose yards list with 4,945 yards at the end of his career and 7.0 yards per touch during his career.  Mitchell scored 20 career touchdowns and holds the record for most rushing attempts in a game with 45, which came in a 29-17 win over Texas Tech in 2000.  Mitchell looked headed for a promising NFL career but in his final game against Oregon, he blew out his knees. Hodges still attended the combine on crutches but being undersized at 5’7″, 180 and also injured, no team was willing to take a flyer on him.

Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree in business management at Texas in 2002 and works as a supervisor for Dallas Utilities Paystation. He is single and counsels young people at the Inspired Body of the Christ church in Dallas. He loves to watch soccer, one of his childhood hobbies.