Inside HOKIE SPORTS | Vol. 13 No. 1 | August 2020

inside.hokiesports.com 17 by Jimmy Robertson TIGHT ENDS SEASON PREVIEW 2020 TIGHT ENDS DEPTH CHART (in numerical order) 41 Ty Eller (6-2, 223, r-Jr.) 42 Cole Blaker (6-3, 250, r-Jr.) 82 James Mitchell (6-3, 252, Jr.) 86 Nick Gallo (6-4, 242, So.) 89 Drake Deiuliis (6-5, 250, r-Jr.) 90 Sam Brooks (6-2, 210, r-Fr.) PLAYER TO WATCH James Mitchell broke out last season, establishing himself as a versatile playmaker with the ability to make plays as a runner and in the passing game. Dalton Keene’s departure in the offseason—he was a third-round draft pick of the New England Patriots—leaves the Hokies needing more from Mitchell this season. Mitchell certainly possesses the traits to deliver even more. The former high school receiver and running back now weighs 252 pounds, while maintaining his speed, but perhaps more importantly, he really understands the game. His football IQ allows Tech’s coaches to move him around in formations to take advantage of certain matchups. Even with Keene’s presence in the lineup, Mitchell still caught 21 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed five times—four for scores. Tech’s offense features a lot of young skill players. So expect the coaching staff to take full advantage of Mitchell’s skillset this season. OTHERS IN THE MIX Two other tight ends on the roster—Drake Deiuliis and Nick Gallo—possess experience, as the two of them and Mitchell team up to attempt to replace the production lost by Keene’s departure. Deiuliis played in 12 games a year ago, mostly on special teams, and has played in 17 games in his career. He has not caught a pass in his three seasons in Blacksburg. Gallo, the younger brother of former Tech center Eric Gallo, played in 11 games as a true freshman last season, and while he didn’t catch any passes, he showed a lot of potential. He even started the Virginia game when the Hokies opened in a two tight-end set. Tech’s staff likes what Gallo brings to the table. Walk-ons Cole Blaker, Ty Eller and Sam Brooks round out the group. Eller, a North Carolina native who is good friends with current Hokie Caleb Farley, played at UNC Pembroke before transferring to Tech last summer and sitting out last fall. INTERESTING FACTS • Tech’s tight ends combined for eight plays of 20 yards or more in 2019, including six by Mitchell. • Tech returns just 10 career starts at the tight end position—nine by Mitchell. • Mitchell caught at least one pass in nine of 13 games and had at least one carry in five games. • Mitchell’s 67-yard reception against Miami marked the longest reception by a Tech tight end last season and the third-longest by any Tech player. 2020 OUTLOOK Tech relied on its tight ends probably more than many fans realized, as the group combined for 42 receptions for 601 yards and seven touchdowns last fall, while also rushing for 40 yards and four scores. Keene and Mitchell combined for all of that production, and Tech’s staff also relied on their blocking both in the running game and on blitz pick- ups. Obviously, Keene’s departure leaves quite a void. There is certainly a plenty to like about this group. All bring size—all stand taller than 6-3 and weigh around 250 pounds—and all are smart, enabling the staff to play them at multiple positions. Mitchell could easily be an All-ACC player this season and maybe become the elite player in Tech’s offense. The staff just needs Deiuliis and Gallo to take the next steps in their development to make up for Keene’s production. If that happens, this group could be a force yet again. BOLD PREDICTION Mitchell catches 30 passes and scores 10 touchdowns in 2020. James Mitchell