Son of base fuels specialist earns football scholarship Published Oct. 8, 2008 By Susan Griggs Keesler News staff KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- A Louisiana high school football star whose dad works at Keesler is going to be an Arkansas Razorback. Jerry Mitchell Jr., a senior at Mandeville High School, recently signed a full-tuition football scholarship to the University of Arkansas. His dad, Jerry Sr., works in the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron's fuels management flight and commutes to Keesler from Mandeville. His mother, Kathy, is a teacher at Slidell (La.) High School. Jerry Jr. is a 6-foot 2-inch, 200-pound cornerback who was also recruited by Florida State, University of Southern Mississippi, Nichols State, Arkansas State and University of Louisiana branches at Monroe and Lafayette. He's also a corner on Mandeville's basketball team and a member of the school's track team, where he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. "The things that impressed me the most about Arkansas were the coaching staff and the facilities," said Jerry Jr., who made an official visit to the campus Saturday when the Razorbacks hosted the Florida Gators. "Four of their coaches have coached in the National Football League, so they know what it takes to get to the next level. He's maintained a 3.0 grade point average in high school. He's undecided about a major at this point, but is leaning toward pursuing a business degree. The Mitchells also have a 13-year-old son, Jamar, an eighth grader who's also a three-sport athlete. "Our family is very proud of Jerry Jr.," his father said. "He works hard, and he deserves this great opportunity."