There's been a late flurry of recruiting news coming my way today and I wanted to pass it along to the Miner Nation.   Not enough for a full Dig or post, so I though I'd bring back the Goldmine which was a surprisingly popular FanShot.  Why wait for recruiting news? As I get it, I will share it. 

I like the idea of these quick hit recruiting posts.  It suddenly came to me that the FanShot sidebar could be used like this- remember though that you are still encouraged and welcome to draft your own FanShots.  I found this graphic online, but will come up with something specific to our Gold MIne in the coming weeks.  The Gold Mine needs a logo.

Football

1.  Taj Teague, Safety,  (6'1, 185 lb)

Scout is reporting that Mike Price has offered Teague a scholarship.  Teague also has an offer from Minnesota.  Teague is considered a two star prospect by scout.  His older brother, Titus, is a corner back for Louisville.

2.  Simon Connette, Safety

There is a report out that Connette has been offered by Mike Price as well.  Speaking of brothers, Connette,  is the younger brother of Duke quarterback Brandon Connette.

It's obvious that safety is going to be a position of need in the future for the Miners.  After all, Braxton Amy can't get another year of eligibility can he?   It was reported by the Dallas Morning News that UTEP offered strong safety Jared Brackens, of North Mesquite, a scholarship.  Brackens decided to sign with Iowa State.  It's clear that the Miners are actively pursuing safeties right now.

3.  Brandon Betancourt

The Mayfield High running back has not been offered by UTEP, but reports out of New Mexico indicate that he had a very impressive showing there and at the UNM camp.  New Mexico State was the first to offer him a scholarship.  We'll see if UTEP makes a play for Betancourt.

Update:  UNM has now offered Betancourt.  He told Scout.com ($) that he thinks UTEP will be next to offer him.

Basketball

1.  Malcolm Moore, F/C (6'7, 225)

This one is very speculative, but an Iowa Paper is reporting that Moore, currently at Tyler Junior College, is getting some interest from Tim Floyd.  I'm trying to follow up on the report now.

AM UPDATES (6/24/10, 2:34 pm MST)

1.  Scout is reporting that UTEP has offered Sugar Land, TX DB Zoey Williams. 

2.  More on Malcolm Moore from the Iowa Gazette here- says Phil Johnson is recruiting him and that UTEP is telling him he could play "right away."