Six offers for Virginia Beach junior

The future is looking bright for Virginia Beach (Va.) Bayside running back Taquan Mizzell. After a season in which he gained over 1,000 yards and scored 22 touchdowns, Mizzell is already getting prepared for next year.

Mizzell, a 5-foot-10, 180-pounder, wants to improve a few things this off-season.

"I want to work on my patience, strength and speed," he said. "I think we can win the state title next year if we improve."

Mizzell has offers from Virginia, Virginia Tech, NC State, Vanderbilt, Purdue and East Carolina so far. However, a couple of schools stand out early.

"Out of the six that have offered me right now, the two in-state schools stand out a little more than the other ones," he said of Virginia and Virginia Tech. "For one, they are closer to home. I wouldn't mind going out of state but they've shown me the most love and I like the way they run their offense."

Proximity to home appears to be a factor in Mizzell's decision.

"My mom supports me a lot so I don't think she would want me to go too far," he said. "If I go out of state she says it's my choice but she wants to make sure I get a good education. But she also wants me to go somewhere she can go see me play."

More offers are expected for Mizzell down the road.

"I'm looking forward to receiving an offer from Tennessee," he said. "The coaches have shown me a lot of love and they like my running style. I like the way they use their running backs as well."

Mizzell is still working to determine when and where his next college visit will be and which combines he will be attending during the offseason.