Billy Ray Mitchell Commits to Virginia Tech

The Hokies nab another New Jersey prospect and offensive linemen. Coach Grimes is on a roll. Billy Ray Mitchell announced his commitment to Virginia Tech.

I am now committed to the university of Virginia tech #Hokies— Billy Ray Mitchell (@Billythekid_75) July 2, 2013

HokieHaven.com, spoke with the 6-4 285-pound offensive lineman this afternoon.

Mitchell, who cancelled an unofficial visit to Wisconsin he had planned for the weekend, called the Virginia Tech staff this afternoon to commit, becoming commitment No. 13 for the 2014 class.

"A lot of people know that I liked Ole Miss a lot," Mitchell said. "I've liked Virginia Tech ever since I was a kid. I mean, I feel like I'm ready to make the move. Being a Tech fan, I'm used to seeing them win a lot and go to bowl games a lot and consistently, which they've done and keep doing. I remember when Tyrod Taylor was there and they went to BCS bowls and were dominant in the ACC. They had a pretty decent year last year, but I wanna go, help recruit, get a good class and I wanna get back to that level. I wanna make Virginia Tech at the top of the list again."

Mitchell, Rivals.com's No. 23 player in New Jersey, said assistant coach Jeff Grimes has told him he'll move around a bit on the Hokies' offensive line.

"(Grimes) said tackle is probably not a spot, but he said center and guard, absolutely," Mitchell said. "To me, I don't care. I just wanna get on the field and make an impact as soon as possible."

Tech is pursuing other New Jersey prospects, like Ryan Izzo and Noah Brown, so perhaps Billy can get in their ears.

What ever school I chose I will be their biggest recruiter— Billy Ray Mitchell (@Billythekid_75) June 22, 2013

His highlights are below.

These are French's thoughts on his tape.

• Terrific interior "pop explosion" or punch. His six inch pop from a slight elbow bend to full extension is elite. It knocks guys off their path.
• Above average feet, he moves guys when he keeps his feet moving.
• On some of those plays he was out of position and made up for it with the punch, not his feet.
• His first step in pass protection needs to get quicker.
• I could see him used as a goal line tight end initially.

Billy Ray shared thoughts on his own style of play with Todderick Hunt of NJ.com last May.

"Schools tell me they like my aggressiveness, how I finish blocks," he said. "Probably the biggest thing is my athleticism and my passion for the game. When I play football, I can't play any other way than with my passion and emotion. I don't let my emotions control my game but I definitely thrive off my emotions when I play."

Due to his versatility and overall athletic ability, schools are recruiting Mitchell at multiple positions along the offensive line.

"Some schools are recruiting me as a tackle, some are recruiting me inside. I'd say most see me playing inside at guard or center," he said. "I just want to play somewhere and be as good as I can possibly be wherever I go."

Welcome to HokieNation Billy Ray!