As the UConn Huskies football team prepare to repeat their success from a year ago, Ridgefield native Jackson Mitchell is determined to make his mark as he returns for his senior season.

Mitchell played a key role in the Huskies having their best season in recent memory. UConn made it to its first bowl game in seven years and beat a ranked opponent for the first time since 2015.  was a major part of that success.

"My Dad always taught me always work like you're the third string guy or the backup," said Mitchell. 

Mitchell's 140 total tackles ranked fourth in the entire country in 2022, and he was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given annually to college football's best linebacker.

"Last year is last year. I've moved on and I'm already working harder than I did last year because I want to be better than I was last year," he added.

UConn's spring football showcase is April 22. The team opens the regular season at home Saturday Sep. 2 against NC State.