This article was originally published with Dawgs247 on September 10, 2015 and can be found here.

Malcolm Mitchell knows his role.

A former four-star receiver from Valdosta, Georgia, his senior season offers a big challenge. On one side, he’s expected to be the go-to wide receiver for a Georgia offense that provides uncertainty in all aspects of the passing game. On the other side, he’s tasked with teaching a group of inexperienced receivers how to handle the job.

Mitchell accomplishes this thanks to the people he’s played alongside during his time at Georgia.

“I could name several of the guys who helped me prepare for this leadership role,” Mitchell said. “In terms of motivating these receivers and getting them prepared for what’s to come, I just give them experiences from what I personally know or what I’ve seen.”

He had several upperclassmen work closely with him when he arrived in the summer of 2011. Receivers including Tavarres King, Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten and Israel Troupe taught him what it took to play the position at the collegiate level. Even players from other positions like Jarvis Jones helped Mitchell understand what it takes to lead a team.

The influence of his teammates has helped him get this far. His tenure as a Bulldog hasn’t exactly been a smooth one; he suffered an ACL tear in the season opener two years ago then missed five games last season due to a lingering knee issue . Even with the setbacks, he’s prevailed to be the top guy at receiver for 2015.

He has taken the lessons taught to him to the newest batch of receivers. His teammates have raved about his help throughout the fall camp, dropping his name as often as wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon. It’s often implied that the senior player at any position should share some tips for the betterment of the team. Mitchell has gone a step further and acted like another coach for the Bulldogs.

One of Mitchell’s proteges already seems to be adjusting to the game. Freshman Terry Godwin had a commendable first game for Georgia, tying Mitchell with a team-high three catches in Saturday’s 51-14 win over UL-Lafayette. While Godwin flared his potential against the Warhawks, the season opener was nothing compared to the remaining tests for the team.

Mitchell’s next task is introducing the new guys to Southeastern Conference play.

“Sometimes they can get overwhelmed,” Mitchell said. “I personally tell them before the games to never forget that it’s football and this is what you do. If you focus on how big the game is, I think your intensity will fluctuate, and that will cause for inconsistent play.”

The first taste of SEC football for these freshmen comes at Vanderbilt, a setting that Mitchell himself is unaccustomed to. He was home nursing his ACL injury when Georgia lost to the Commodores 31-27 in 2013, the first time the Bulldogs left Nashville as losers since 1991. While his teammates still speak of anger and regret about the outcome, his absence from the scene of the loss helps him keep his focus. Instead of worrying about a defeat that many have long forgotten about, he sets his sights on the here and now.

It all starts in practice. Execution, Mitchell says, is the key. He works at perfecting his game on a regular basis; anything less than that falls short of his own personal standards. His reliable performances coupled with his constant advising has made him a natural mentor for a receiving corps that is unproven.

Although he knows the task ahead is daunting, he doesn’t let up on anyone. These players, from the freshmen to the seniors, have a job to do. It all starts on Saturday in a challenge that everyone has to be ready for. If they aren’t, he knows it could be 2013 all over again.

“It’s time to lock in,” Mitchell said. “Sunday we came in as a team and made sure we’re moving on. This game on Saturday determines whether we’re competitors in the SEC East. We need to make sure we execute.”