ATHENS — Before he was Malcolm Mitchell, children’s book author and women’s book club member, Georgia’s star receiver was something else: Ardent Batman admirer.

So much so that a few years ago Mitchell got a prominent tattoo of the Dark Knight on his left arm. Mitchell was asked Wednesday why.

“I love what he stands for,” Mitchell said. “A guy that doesn’t have to be seen, acknowledged or recognized for the things that he does. He just does it because he feels like it’s the right thing to do.”

The tattoo is the most prominent – and permanent – display of Mitchell’s fandom. It’s “forever,” as he pointed out. But he said if “ever got the right amount of money” he would buy the exact costume from the most recent Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Not just for Halloween, either.

“And I would wear it all day. I would wear it out,” Mitchell said.

This being the bye week and all, and other football matters talked out, Mitchell was asked and offered up more thoughts on the caped crusader. Such as what he thinks of Ben Affleck taking on the role.

“I’m a little nervous,” Mitchell said. “But Ben’s a great actor. I’ve seen the previews of the new movie. It’s a little nerve-wracking, though.”

Many have played Batman – Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney – but it’s pretty clear who Mitchell’s favorite is.

“Christian Bale is the Batman for my generation,” he said. “I feel like they’re switching it before the generation has moved on. That’s the concern. Because the same guy can’t do it forever.”

The new movie, “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” is due out next year. Mitchell is apparently anticipating just as Chris Conley, his former teammate and fellow receiver, is the release of the new “Star Wars” movie in December. Conley went so far as to make a short light-saber film, guest staring Mark Richt and Todd Gurley.

So Mitchell is essentially to Batman what Conley is to”Star Wars.”

“Yes,” Mitchell said, smiling, “But I doubt I’ll make a film on it.”