A Richmond native, Fontel Mines enters his second season in 2013 as the wide receivers coach for the Spiders.

"I'm excited to have Fontel join our staff and return to his hometown of Richmond," said Rocco at the time of Mines' hiring.  "I am familiar with him from our time at Virginia and believe he has a bright future in the coaching profession."

Mines made an immediate impact on Richmond's wide receivers in 2012, as both Ben Edwards and Stephen Barnette earned All-CAA honors.  Edwards was named to the first team after leading the conference in receptions (80) and placing fifth in yards (852).  Barnette was just as impressive, earning third-team honors with 56 receptions for 848 yards.

Mines was a standout wide receiver at the University of Virginia '07, where he started in 20 of his 42 games over the course of his career. During his time as a Cavalier, he recorded 68 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns.

Following his collegiate career, Mines was signed as a free by the Chicago Bears. He played three years as a tight end before his career was cut short due to injuries.

In 2011, Mines participated in the NFL Players Association-based coaching intern program as an assistant at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, TN, working with wide receivers and tight ends.

Mines is a 2003 graduate of Hermitage High School in Richmond, where he played for Coach Patrick Kane.  Mines coached wide receivers at Hermitage in 2010.