Hokie and Big Stone Gap native James Mitchell making the jump to the NFL

Virginia Tech junior tight end and Big Stone Gap native James Mitchell has announced he will forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.

Mitchell was appointed team captain prior to a season-ending knee injury suffered in September. He finishes his Hokie career with 838 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Mitchell was tabbed as an NFL draft prospect earlier this year and in August was one of nine tight ends named to the Rotary Lombardi Watch List.

(IMAGE: BRISTOL BROADCASTING CO NEWS ARCHIVES)