Cherokee is coming into the 2016 season with one of the top returning quarterbacks in Western North Carolina. Junior Tye Mintz, a 6-1 195 quarterback/defensive back will be back to lead the Braves in the always tough Smoky Mountain 1A Conference.
Mintz had an impressive sophomore season as he completed 149 of 283 passes for 1,872 yards with 17 touchdowns and ran 149 times for 882 yards with 9 touchdowns. Defensively, he starred as well with 72 tackles and 3 interceptions.
NCPreps.com's Chris Hemphill recently caught up with SMC honorable mention all-conference Mintz and he had the following to say about the upcoming season.
What things that make you a standout QB?
" Being able to be a duel threat QB makes it a lot easier on my RB especially since he is super young."
What are some goals you have for yourself this year?
"I want to really step up into a leadership role and take control of this team. We are starting to be like a big family."
Which teams in your conference have you had the most success against?
"I had 2 good games against Andrews."
What is your dream college?
"North Carolina"
What things have you been working on to improve your mechanics in the off-season?
"I have really been working on my foot work and my core."
Who are you "go-to" targets and how often do you work out together outside of school?
"We have some new faces this year with not many coming back from last year. Holden (Straughan) should be a good one. I work with all my receivers outside of school."
How is the team looking as the season gets ready to kick off here in a few weeks?
"We are looking really good. My linemen have been putting in a lot of work. They are looking huge. I can see us starting to click as one team."
What is the toughest game on your schedule?
"They all look super tough, but I'm gonna have to say Murphy."
What is something you are good at outside of football that most people don't know?
"I'm good at weed-eating."
What makes you a leader? How are your grades in the classroom?
"I really stay on everybody about their grades and going to class. I really have to stay up and can't get down. My grades are good. I make A's and B's and I think my GPAa is a 3.6."
