Lance Mitchell transfered to Oklahoma in 2002, after a two year stint with the City College of San Francisco. He led the Sooners in tackles that season, and appeared to be well on his way to being one of the top middle linebackers selected in the 2004 NFL draft. Then three games into his senior season, Mitchell tore his ACL, effectively ending his season and diminishing his draft stock. He was awarded another year of eligibilty due to medical hardship and will be one of the first middle linebackers selected in the 2005 NFL draft.

Mitchell posesses ideal size for a middle linebacker in the NFL. He is a force against the run, and has the size and strength to take on and shed blocks of opposing offensive linemen. He lacks great speed, but makes up for the lack of speed by avoiding false steps and taking good angles to the ballcarrier. He needs to improve his coverage skills to be a three down linebacker at the professional level. If his knee holds up, Mitchell should develop into an excellent middle linebacker in the NFL.