Elijah Mitchell made the most of his opportunity.
The former Erath High and Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns star made his NFL regular season debut in San Francisco’s opener at Detroit. After starting running back Raheem Mostert left the game due to an injury, the 49ers turned to the sixth-round draft pick to carry the load.
Mitchell didn’t disappoint.
Mitchell led all running backs with 104 yards on 19 carries, averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry, and scored a 38-yard touchdown run in the second quarter of the 49ers’ 41-33 win over the Lions.
Mitchell also set a new 49ers record with his performance.
According to ESPNStatsInfo, Mitchell’s 104 rushing yards surpasses Rickey Watters’ franchise record of most rushing yards in a debut game. Watters rushed for 100 yards in 1992.
Mitchell was drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round of this year’s NFL Draft after a stellar four-year career with the Ragin’ Cajuns.
In 42 career games, Mitchell rushed for 3,267 yards while scoring 41 rushing touchdowns. The 2020 All-Sun Belt Conference first team honoree also caught 49 total passes for 597 yards and five touchdowns.