2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mitch Van Vooren, TE, St. Norbert College

Get to know Mitch Van Vooren: a talented football player, former track athlete, and college standout at St. Norbert College.

Name: Mitch Van Vooren

Position: TE

College: St. Norbert College

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 250 lbs

X (Twitter): @m_vanrooren14

Instagram: @mitch.vanvooren

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I originally went to college to run Division One track and field. Although I loved my experience and
found success on the track, I always had the itch to get back to the football field. Since I
was a kid, I always felt free on the field and felt that was where I was supposed to be.

What are your favorite moments of your football life?

There are many moments throughout my football career that have been significant and
memorable. One of my favorite memories was in youth football. My dad was one of my
coaches and we were playing in a tournament when it started to rain. We finished up the
tournament taking first place, but the most memorable part was since we were already
full of mud our team when and slid through all the mud puddles on the field. This was
one of the most memorable moments I had, and always remember that story and how
much fun playing football is.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

As a football player, I look to reach my athletic ceiling. I believe I am very developable
and have a lot of untapped football potential. As I only played college football for two
seasons, I believe in the right situation I can make leaps and bounds in my skill level. I
want to be able to make a lasting, winning, and meaningful impact to a team, whether
that be through special teams, run blocking, or explosive offensive plays.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Thomas Duarte, although may not be a popular answer, is who I would want to
meet. When I attended the NFL Draft in Chicago in my freshman year of high school, I
was honored with the ability to announce a 7th-round pick. Thomas Duarte was the name
on the card I read, and I think meeting him would be a pretty cool story.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Although all my family members inspire me, my father probably is the most inspirational.
He helped cultivate my love for the game of football as well as my drive for success. His
life story of hard work proves that if you stay consistent and believe in yourself, you can
accomplish anything.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I would say the spread offense. I like this offense the most because this is what we
started to run when I first started getting varsity reps. It brings me back to a time in high
school with all my hometown friends.

What should people know about Mitch Van Vooren the person?

People should know I am hardworking and competitive. The competitive nature runs
through my veins and helps push me in all aspects of life. I believe success does not
come without hard work and dedication. Nothing worth anything in life comes easy! I
also always try to do the next right thing. That is something my mom taught us growing
up, even if we make mistakes, look to do the next right thing.

What stands out about your film the most?

When watching my film people will notice my size as well as my speed. Using my division one
track background I use my speed to make explosive plays downfield. They will also see
how I use my size to make blocks as well as tough catches. Although playing at a small
school, my film helps prove my ability to compete with the highest-level opponents.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Head on. Avoiding challenges can lead to added stress and does not make the
challenge go away. Challenges are also a way to build character and improve as a
person. I believe that facing challenges is always an opportunity to make yourself a
better person or player.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A hardworking player with a high ceiling. With only 2 years of collegiate football under
my belt I have a lot of room to continue to develop and improve my skill set. A team
would also get a guy who wants to star in their role. Knowing my role and striving to
perfect it, is what I always strive to do. Whether that would be making touchdown
catches, laying down a big block, contributing on special teams, or being an
indispensable practice player.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Physicality and the ability to compete. Also being able to trust and play with your
teammates is always a great experience. Off the field, the team meals and post-practice
hangouts are hard to find outside of sports.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Offensively Paul Bageanis, he is a hard worker and a route-running savant.
Defensively, Sam Barnett, is a natural-born leader, a student of the game, and a
playmaker.

Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen