Recruiting Updates: Fontel Mines and Terrell Golden
by Chris Horne, 11/12/02
Fontel Mines Looks Forward to First Visit
One of the state’s top wide receiver targets will visit the University of Virginia this weekend. Fontel Mines, a 6’5” 200 pound prospect from Hermitage High School in Richmond, VA, will be in Charlottesville to take in the crucial ACC contest versus NC State.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Mines. “Me and Duane [Brown, a tight end/defensive line prospect from Hermitage] are going up.”
Mines will be taking the first of three scheduled official visits, and is excited about the upcoming weekend. His remaining visits include a trip to Virginia Tech on November 29 for the Virginia game, and a visit to Wake Forest on December 6.
Unable to take an unofficial visit to Blacksburg for the Pittsburgh game last week, Mines will take all of his official visits before making a decision. Right now, the Cavaliers and the Hokies are both at the top of his list.
“I like how UVa’s offense is wide open,” said Mines, when asked to compare the two in-state schools. “They have a young team, the academics are great, and it’s close to home.
“Virginia Tech is used to winning, and they send players to the NFL. I really can’t make a bad decision [between the schools]. I am going to the school that feels right.”
Virginia Tech’s recent passing outburst versus Syracuse, where senior Ernest Wilford caught eight passes for 279 yards and four touchdowns, did not have much effect on Mines’ decision making process.
“It helped a little,” said Mines. “But nothing’s really going to change based on one game.”
Following the three visits, Mines hopes to make a decision on his collegiate destination by Christmas time. In the mean time, he hopes to help the Hermitage Panthers make a run for a Division 5 state title. The Panthers are 9-0 with one regular season game remaining, and have thus far rolled their opponents throughout the season.
Hermitage’s domination may have impacted Mines early season receiving goal of 1,000 yards. By blowing out most opponents in the first half, Head Coach Patrick Kane has been primarily running the football in the second half. A modest and team-oriented individual, Mines has no complaints about his team’s super season.
“It’s been fun,” said Mines, who has caught 30 passes for 620 yards and seven touchdowns through nine games. “We are doing everything we talked about doing [before the season].”
Terrell Golden Sets Visit Dates for His Top Two
Lake Taylor WR Terrell Golden set two of his five official visits this past weekend. The first two officials will be to the two teams who lead for his services.
“I have an official visit to Penn State for December 6 and Virginia Tech for December 13,” said the 6-3, 215 pound Golden.
The rest of Golden’s top five include Tennessee, Maryland, and North Carolina State. Previously, Boston College was in the top five, but they have since been replaced by the Wolfpack.
One team missing from Golden’s list is the Virginia Cavaliers. While they are not listed in his top five, Golden is careful to point out that he has not eliminated anyone from consideration.
“I haven’t eliminated anyone yet,” said Golden, who wants to take all five official visits before deciding. “Those are just my favorites.”
This Friday, Golden will lead Lake Taylor into the Division 5 playoffs, where they will take on outstanding duo DB Phillip Brown and LB Xavier Adibi and the rest of the defending Division 5 state champion Phoebus Phantoms. Phoebus is turning in another outstanding season, however Golden believes his team has a great chance.
“We have a real fast defense,” said Golden, who plays outside linebacker on defense.
“I think we have a great chance.”
