virginia tech loses star tight end to knee injury for 2021 season

Carter Hill

Staff Writer

September 13, 2021

BLACKSBURG — It wasn’t the news that Virginia Tech fans wanted to hear on a Monday morning.

The Hokies, who were ranked No. 15 in the coaches and AP poll yesterday, have gotten off to a strong start in the 2021 season.

By knocking off then-No. 10 North Carolina, and following that up with a 35-14 satisfying win over Middle Tennessee, it seemed like everything was going right for VT early on in the season.

That was, until an MRI result came in.

Star tight end James Mitchell is done for the year after suffering a season-ending knee injury that will require surgery in the win against the Blue Raiders on Saturday.

It’s a crushing blow for head coach Justin Fuente and Co. Mitchell could’ve opted to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft in January, but chose to return to school to build up his stock and chase the potential of becoming a first round draft pick.

The Southwest, Va. native was regarded as one of the best tight ends in the country. He hauled in 26 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns a year ago in the COVID-19-riddled 2020 season, and he was poised for a deadly 2021 campaign with some continuity surrounding him on the offensive end.

“We are disappointed for him,” Fuente said in his Monday press conference. “What a great leader and great young man he is. A team captain, a leadership council member. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

For the Hokies going forward, it’ll be interesting to see how offensive coordinator Brad Cornelsen mixes in his replacements with Nick Gallo and Drake Deluliis. The passing threat compared to Mitchell drops significantly, but those are still two weapons if properly utilized.

It’s been mentioned that Texas A&M transfer Connor Blumrick could play a role there as well. The Tech quarterback played all over the field offensively during his time in College Station.

We’ll get our first look at the Mitchell-less Hokies this weekend, as they travel into a hostile environment to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers with The Black Diamond Trophy on the line.