By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

July 26, 2013, will always be a special day in the mind of Bo Levi Mitchell.

After signing with the Stamps as a free agent in April of 2012, Mitchell was used sparingly throughout his rookie campaign, regularly listed as the third-string quarterback on the team’s depth chart. The Katy, Tex., native finally got his first start in Week 5 of his sophomore season due to Kevin Glenn and Drew Tate injuries, and effectively put the entire league on notice with an outstanding evening.

Not only did Mitchell lead Calgary to victory in Winnipeg over the Blue Bombers, the former Eastern Washington transfer completed 29 of 33 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns en route to receiving CFL offensive-player-of-the-week honours.

“I was excited about it,” reflected Mitchell on his approach leading up to his remarkable CFL debut. “I was excited about the opportunity and not giving it back. That was kind of my biggest thing – making sure once I got that shot and (Coach Huff) gave me the football that I wasn’t going to give it back to anybody.”

Now in his fourth year sporting Red and White, the second of which as the undisputed starter, the one-time Southern Methodist University Mustang is showing no signs of slowing down. With a 21-4 career record thus far, he was named the 2014 Grey Cup MVP shortly after becoming the first quarterback in league history to win 12 of his first 13 games.

Two years after proving his worth at Investors Group Field as a No. 1 signal caller, the debut won’t necessarily be on Mitchell’s mind although the 25-year-old pivot admitted to reflecting on the scenario prior to last season’s 33-23 triumph in Manitoba.

“The second time I played there, I kind of thought about it again, but now it’s just another place to play,” said the former Texas state champion as a high school senior.

After dispatching the Roughriders in Regina last week, Mitchell has now recorded a victory in all but one CFL city in which he has started a game.

As for the true reason behind his success to date, No. 19 was quick to identify the position group most responsible for his prominent play.

“My O-line. Without them, I can’t do anything. My receivers are pretty good, too,” he added, much to the delight of the onlooking Eric Rogers.

Mitchell has put up 634 passing yards and added five touchdowns in two Winnipeg road games, including a pass of more than 50 yards in both contests. When asked about the seemingly friendly confines of Investors Group Field, Mitchell could only muster a comical comeback.

“I think the ball flies a little bit further out there,” he chuckled.