Can ECU alum, Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell be next Devin Hester?

by | Jun 9, 2025

Keaton Mitchell said when he was growing up, he admired NFL Hall of Famer Devin Hester.

Maybe he’ll be the next Hester, or first Mitchell.

Mitchell could be fighting for carries in a backfield that will feature Derrick Henry and Justice Hill again. So Mitchell may see some options in special teams with returning kickoffs and punts.

SI.com’s Josh Reed reports Mitchell is embracing the chance. With Henry’s Pro Bowl season in 2024 and Justice Hill counted on for third downs and pass catching, it could leave Mitchell, now in his third year with the Ravens, looking for touches.

Reed said in his report, “Mitchell is slated to be the Ravens’ primary kick returner for the upcoming season, and he is not only willing to fill the role but is also enthusiastic about it and the potential impact he can have.”

Mitchell said he’s more than up for the chance and harkened back to Hester, who Mitchell grew up watching and admiring in college and the NFL.

“I’m definitely doing that, especially since if it’s a touchback, it’ll go to the 35 [-yard line], so I’m pretty sure teams will put it in play, and I want to be the one to return to kickoff returns,” Mitchell said.

Click here to read more.

Photo credit: Keaton Mitchell (Baltimore Ravens photo)

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