Tampa CB has great visit to the Illini

Terrence Mitchell is getting closer to a decision but he will make two more visits first. Mitchell, from Tampa Hillsborough High School, will visit USF this weekend and Florida State some time next month. Then, it will be decision time for one of the nation's most coveted cornerback prospects.

"I am going to USF and my final visit will be to Florida State," Mitchell said. "That works out well because they should have a defensive coordinator by then and I will know who I would play for if I were to pick them. I also need to know if they even want me or if I will fit into their new style.

"I hate to see what happened to coach (Bobby) Bowden. I don't like it or how it happened. But that's life and I am glad things are starting to take shape up there."

While Florida State was one of his early leaders another team has emerged. Last weekend Mitchell took an official visit to Champaign and he loved his visit to Illinois. It took him by surprise and they are definitely in the mix.

"It was fun and I had a good time. It's kind of different in the north. I mean Champaign is different than Tampa. It's certainly colder. I mean it's a college town and not real big but big enough. Jarred (Fayson) was host and I feel more comfortable with him there. I wouldn't go just because of him.

"Coach (Ron) Zook is a nice guy. I like him a lot. Coach (Dan) Disch is a good man. I like that staff.

"I wouldn't say they (Illinois) are my favorite but they are up there and I am looking at them a lot harder than I was. That was my best visit overall and I really liked everything."

Mitchell has ties to some of his school favorites. He has a former teammate in Fayson up north in Champaign. Mitchell has a cousin at home, playing for the Bulls at USF in Lindsey Lamar. Then he has his childhood favorite Seminoles along with the Georgia Bulldogs and the Tennessee Volunteers all in the mix. What will be the difference?

"I am not sure. I know that I will visit FSU and then hope to decide shortly after that."

Mitchell is a four-star recruit and a member of the Rivals100. At 5-9 and 165 pounds Mitchell is also one of the state's top track stars. Last season he finished second in the state in the long and triple jump. He placed fourth in the 330 hurdle.