30 Facts About Mitch Jeter

From Salisbury to Stardom

Mitch Jeter's journey from a small town in North Carolina to the national stage is nothing short of inspiring. Let's dive into the key moments and achievements that have defined his career.

1. Birthplace and Hometown: Mitch Jeter hails from Salisbury, North Carolina, a town known for its rich history and close-knit community.

2. High School Career: Jeter attended Cannon High School in Concord, North Carolina, where he represented the Cabarrus Warriors. His high school years laid the foundation for his athletic prowess.

3. Multi-Sport Athlete: During high school, Jeter excelled in soccer, earning all-conference and all-region honors. His soccer skills translated well to football.

4. Football Beginnings: Jeter's interest in football began with a casual game at Catawba College in 2017. This moment sparked a passion that would shape his future.

Rising Through the Ranks

As Jeter's talent became evident, he started attracting attention from colleges and scouts. His journey through high school and into college football showcases his dedication and skill.

5. Early Success: By his junior year, Jeter received offers from universities like North Carolina, South Carolina, and East Carolina, albeit as a preferred walk-on.

6. National Recognition: By his senior year, Jeter was nationally ranked as a kicker, impressing scouts with his leg power and accuracy.

7. College Commitment: Jeter accepted a full scholarship from the University of South Carolina, drawn by the allure of SEC football.

8. South Carolina Career: At South Carolina, Jeter played in 46 games, making 19 field goals out of 26 attempts. His consistency was key to his team's success.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

Balancing academics and athletics is no easy feat, but Jeter managed to excel in both areas. His achievements off the field are just as impressive as those on it.

9. Academic Achievements: Jeter earned the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll in 2020 and continued to excel academically in subsequent years.

10. Transfer to Notre Dame: In 2024, Jeter transferred to Notre Dame, where he played 11 games and scored eight field goals in 15 attempts.

11. Notable Achievements at Notre Dame: In his first game with Notre Dame, Jeter scored the Irish's first six points and helped secure a 23-13 win over Texas A&M.

12. Lou Groza Award Recognition: For his efforts in his first game with Notre Dame, Jeter was recognized by the Lou Groza Award as one of its three stars.

High School Highlights

Jeter's high school years were filled with memorable moments that showcased his potential and set the stage for his future success.

13. Watchlist for 2025 Senior Bowl: As of December 2024, Jeter was on the watchlist for the 2025 Senior Bowl, highlighting his potential for the NFL.

14. High School Achievements: In high school, Jeter was 8-for-10 in field goal attempts and ran for 57 yards, demonstrating his versatility.

15. Soccer Background: Jeter’s soccer background helped him develop the agility and coordination needed for kicking in football.

16. Kicking Camps: Jeter participated in various kicking camps, including the 2019 Spring Southern Showcase and the Kohl’s Kicking Camp.

College Football Experience

Jeter's college career has been marked by impressive performances and key moments that have solidified his reputation as a top kicker.

17. College Football Experience: At South Carolina, Jeter handled both placekicking and kickoff duties, leading the team in scoring both seasons.

18. Career Statistics at South Carolina: Jeter was 73-for-76 on career PATs and 23-for-25 on field goals, making every field goal he attempted under 50 yards.

19. Notable Games at South Carolina: In a 2022 game against Georgia State, Jeter kicked field goals of 51 and 53 yards, a feat no other South Carolina kicker had achieved in the same game.

20. Game-Winning Field Goal: Jeter kicked a game-winning field goal against Clemson, securing a permanent place in the lore of USC football.

Versatility and Determination

Jeter's versatility and determination have been evident throughout his career, from recovering his own onside kick to balancing academics and athletics.

21. Onside Kick Recovery: In a 2023 game against UNC, Jeter recovered his own onside kick, showcasing his versatility and determination.

22. Graduation and Future Plans: Jeter graduated with a degree in biological sciences in December 2024 and plans to follow his father into the medical field.

23. Transfer Portal Decision: Jeter entered the transfer portal on November 30, 2024, choosing Notre Dame for both academic and football reasons.

24. Local Ties at Notre Dame: There are local ties between Jeter and Notre Dame, as Jonathan Doerer, a former kicker for the Irish, was also a product of the Dan Orner kicking program.

Mentorship and Preparation

Mentorship has played a crucial role in Jeter's development as a kicker. Learning from elite coaches and former players has helped him hone his skills.

25. Special Teams Coach Influence: Jeter learned from elite special teams coach Pete Lembo, who helped him develop mentally and physically as a kicker.

26. Mental Preparation: Jeter credits Parker White, his predecessor at South Carolina, for helping him prepare mentally and physically for the demands of college football.

27. Physical Abilities: Jeter has run 4.7 40-yard dashes, showcasing his athleticism and leg power, which are essential for a kicker.

Aspirations and Leadership

Jeter's aspirations extend beyond college football. His leadership qualities and ambition make him a promising candidate for the NFL.

28. National Championship Aspirations: Jeter expressed his ambition to compete for a national championship in 2024 during his first interview with the Notre Dame beat media.

29. Leadership Qualities: Jeter’s leadership qualities, such as being fair and dedicated, are evident in his high school soccer days and his college football career.

30. Potential NFL Career: With his impressive college career and national recognition, Jeter has the potential to transition to the NFL, where he could continue to make a significant impact as a kicker.

Mitch Jeter's Remarkable Journey

Mitch Jeter's story is one of grit, talent, and determination. From Salisbury, North Carolina, to becoming a standout kicker for Notre Dame, his path has been nothing short of inspiring. His high school days at Cannon High School showcased his multi-sport abilities, particularly in soccer. Transitioning to football, he quickly made a name for himself, earning national recognition and a scholarship to South Carolina.

At South Carolina, Jeter's performance was stellar, highlighted by game-winning kicks and impressive stats. His transfer to Notre Dame in 2024 marked a new chapter, where he continued to excel, earning accolades and contributing significantly to the team's success. With aspirations for a national championship and a potential NFL career, Jeter's future looks bright. His journey underscores the importance of hard work, dedication, and seizing opportunities.