Byrnes-Mitchell was named athlete of the month after compiling a team-high 37 tackles, four pass break-ups, and three blocks on the month. The sophomore opened the month with five tackles and a pass break-up against Cumberland. Midway through the first quarter, Byrnes-Mitchell came unblocked off the right side of the line and blocked the punt, which was recovered and returned for a Patriots touchdown putting UC in front 7-0. That pivotal was one of three Patriots blocks in the game and helped UC to a 10-6 win over the Phoenix. The Clearwater, FL native followed that up a week later with his second blocked punt of the season, this one came against #8 Bethel and put Cumberlands up 7-0. Against Pikeville, Byrnes-Mitchell notched a career-high 11 tackles along with a forced fumble, fumble recovery and block. In the third quarter with UPike driving Byrnes-Mitchell tracked down Bralin Barton and forced a fumble and recovered it to give the possession back to UC. Later in the game as the Bears were attempting the go-ahead field the sophomore was able to get his hand on it and block the kick. Byrnes-Mitchell closed out the month with a career-high 19 tackles, 16 solo tackles to help Cumberlands knock off #11 Georgetown. The 19 tackles are the most by a Patriot player in at least the last six seasons.
