Virginia Tech Makes the Final 3 for Three-Star TE James Mitchell

Editor

November 06, 2017, 03:00 AM

James Mitchell is one of the top tight ends in America with an offer list full of high-level programs from the ACC, SEC, and Big 12. Over the summer, Mitchell cut his offer list down to a top 5 of Virginia Tech, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Duke. Now, Mitchell is down to his final 3 schools as a decision looms within the next several weeks. https://twitter.com/j_mitch82/status/927329863245156353 Virginia Tech, Georgia, and Duke made the final 3 for three-star TE James Mitchell. South Carolina and Tennessee were both eliminated from Mitchell's recruitment. South Carolina was seen as a top challenger to VT so it's a big surprise to see the Gamecocks miss the cut. Tennessee's elimination gives Virginia Tech the proximity to home advantage over the other schools that made the cut. Mitchell appears to be getting close to a decision with the Big Stone Gap, VA native telling the Bristol Herald Courier that he is looking at making his decision on December 15th. Mitchell is one of Virginia's best recruits with ESPN, 247 Sports, Rivals, and the 247 Sports Composite all ranking Mitchell among the state's top 13 recruits. Rivals ranks Mitchell as a four-star recruit and the 14th best TE in the nation while ESPN has him seventh among hybrid tight ends. Mitchell has been a priority for Virginia Tech for well over a year as the best Southwest Virginia recruit in years. Mitchell was one of the Hokies' top two TE targets till Kyle Pitts committed to Florida. Since then, VT has made him an even bigger priority with the hopes that he'll be their TE commit this cycle. Virginia Tech is the favorite for Mitchell in part because of how they've been pursuing him since the beginning of his recruitment. The Hokies were the second power 5 program to offer him and have been consistent in pursing him since. The Hokies also have a proximity to home while their recent success is sure to help VT with Mitchell. Georgia's impressive undefeated season likely has helped the Bulldogs with Mitchell. However, Georgia already has three-star TE John FitzPatrick committed and is in great shape for four-star TE Luke Ford. With the Bulldogs close to having two tight end commits, the Bulldogs may not have a room for a third tight end commit, and may not offer a quick route to playing time. Duke looms as another program that has pursued Mitchell for a long time. The Blue Devils are a sleeper here, but their recent struggles compared to VT's 17-6 record under Justin Fuente gives Virginia Tech a clear advantage. James Mitchell is down to three schools with the Hokies making the cut for their top tight end target. For now, Virginia Tech is the favorite, but they still have some work to do to gain the commitment of one of their top remaining targets.