2020 Virginia Tech Tight End Preview

James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
James Mitchell will play a big role for Virginia Tech once again. (Dave Knachel, Virginia Tech sports photography)

Last season Virginia Tech had some of the most versatile tight ends in the country.  In fact, two of the Hokies’ three tight ends actually took handoffs.  Dalton Keene had 11 carries lined up as a tailback, while James Mitchell was a bit of an end-around specialist near the goal line, racking up four touchdowns on five carries over the course of the season.  That’s got to be one of the most unique stat lines in all of college football.

Keene surprised many by declaring for the NFL Draft, but after he was selected in the third round by the New England Patriots, his decision made a lot more sense.  With him moving on to the NFL, the Hokies will continue to rely on the talented Mitchell while also working true sophomore Nick Gallo into the offense.

A Virginia Tech staff member told me a year ago before the start of the 2019 season that the Hokies had three future NFL tight ends on the roster.  So far he’s one out of three with Keene being drafted, and at some point he’s very likely to be two-out-of-three, as I’d be surprised if Mitchell weren’t selected at some point.  If Gallo develops as the staff hopes, then he could be a perfect three-for-three, but even if that doesn’t happen, two-out-of-three isn’t bad.

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