On Aug. 23, William and Mary announced sophomore Shon Mitchell will be the starting quarterback for the 2018 season. Mitchell, who started in three games last year, will be under center for the Tribe in its first game of the season Sept. 1 at Bucknell.
Unlike last season, the Tribe settled on a starting quarterback and announced this decision well before the first game of the year. Last season, junior Tommy McKee started against Virginia in the season-opener, but this was not announced until the day of the game.
Mitchell came to the College after a record-setting career at Oscar Smith High School in Virginia Beach, Va. Mitchell finished his high school career with 11,380 passing yards, 123 touchdowns and 747 completions. He was named the All-State Offensive player of the year in 2016, Mitchell’s high school senior season. In his brief collegiate career, Mitchell became the first true freshman to start at quarterback at the College since 1975, and the first under longtime head coach Jimmye Laycock. In his three appearances, Mitchell went 22 of 58 passing and threw three interceptions and no touchdowns.
Mitchell has been given the nod to start at Bucknell, but it remains to be seen whether he will establish himself as the starter for the duration of the season. Sophomore Ted Hefter, among others, could possibly see time under center this season. Mitchell will look to lead the Tribe to its first Colonial Athletic Association victory since 2016.