The Mayes Brothers will be protecting QBs in Dinkytown for years to come.
Connor Mayes, a 6-foot-4, 338-pound center from Van Alstyne, Texas, has become the second big commitment in two days for the Minnesota Gophers. Mayes is the younger brother of incoming freshman Alex Mayes. GopherHole.com caught up with Mayes Monday afternoon to learn the latest on his decision.
Mayes will give the Gophers their third brother combination to go along with the Olson and McAvoy brothers on the Minnesota offensive line.
Gopher Hole: You came up this weekend with your brother who is coming up for summer school. What was the reason that made you decide that now was the time to commit?
Connor Mayes: I definitely had a strong relationship before I got up here during my unofficial visits, but helping Alex move in and I built a great relationship with the guys and made some great friendships since I have been here and I am just in love with the coaching staff here. The way I seen Coach Kill do things at other schools, I think that Minnesota is going to blow up and do some big things.
Gopher Hole: Who was the happiest person in your family, your dad or your brother?
Connor Mayes: They were all extremely happy. I don’t know which one was happier.
Gopher Hole: How fun is going to be to play with your brother? You have probably played alongside him for years and years, but wouldn’t be able to do that this year, but how fun is it going to be to play alongside him next year?
Connor Mayes: It is going to be awesome. It has been my dream to play with Alex in Division I ball since we were little. Finally got that accomplished.
Gopher Hole: You had some other great offers, maybe even better offers than Alex did. Was it hard to turn down those opportunities to come to Minnesota?
Connor Mayes: Yes, it definitely took a lot of thinking. It took a lot of time to make this decision. My heart landed on Minnesota and that is where I wanted to go. I couldn’t get Minnesota off my mind. I am pretty excited to come here.
Gopher Hole: I know that you just committed, but does it already feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, so now that you can just relax and enjoy your senior year and just be a kid?
Connor Mayes: Yes. It feels great to get this out of the way and know how excited I am to come here. This is a little weight off my shoulders
Gopher Hole: When did you commit?
Connor Mayes: I committed about 15 minutes ago.
Gopher Hole: The Gophers got a big commitment yesterday from Somerset tight end Galien Elmore. Have you meet him before?
Connor Mayes: I have talked to him a little on Facebook and Twitter.
Gopher Hole: Were you surprised about his commitment? He is a very talented player. Does that make you even more excited about the way things are headed for the Gophers?
Connor Mayes: Yes, it is definitely a big commitment for Minnesota. It is just exciting how things are turning around for this program and how bright the future is going to be.