After another strong season as a junior, Big Stone Gap (Va.) Union four-star tight end James Mitchell continues to be pursued by a number of Power Five schools.

Mitchell, who was recently named his conference’s player of the year by the league’s coaches, led his team to a 12-2 record and the third round of the playoffs.

In-state schools Virginia and Virginia Tech were first to offer Mitchell this year before Duke and Vanderbilt followed. Clemson, Penn State, N.C. State and Notre Dame are also showing interest in the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder.

The Clemson Insider caught up with Mitchell, who plans to visit Clemson again in January after attending the Louisville game in October.

“I plan on going to Clemson’s Junior Day,” Mitchell said, “and down to Duke in February. Plan on going back to Virginia Tech but I don’t have a date for that yet.”

While on the recruiting trail a couple of weeks ago, Clemson tight ends coach Danny Pearman stopped by Mitchell’s school to speak to his coach. Mitchell later spoke with Pearman and recruiting coordinator Brandon Streeter over the phone.

What did Mitchell hear from the coaches?

“Just that they’re really excited about me,” he said, “and they want me to get back up there and continue to learn about what they have to offer.”

Pearman also visited Mitchell’s school during the Tigers’ bye week in October.

Mitchell is excited to see Clemson’s new football complex, catch up with the coaching staff and learn more about Clemson during his upcoming visit.

“Getting to see that brand new facility, and just being back down there around the coaches and getting to learn more about Clemson academically and in football,” Mitchell said.

The gifted and savvy tight end said he is hearing from Clemson, Virginia Tech and Duke the most right now, and that he is open to all schools recruiting him.

“I wouldn’t put any one school over the others just yet,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell plans to release his top schools at the beginning of his senior season. He isn’t sure yet when he will commit.

Mitchell is rated as a top-250 prospect nationally by Rivals and the No. 11 player at his position.