Saturday will mark the third time Virginia Tech receivers coach Fontel Mines returns to his alma mater UVa on the opposite sideline.

He did as a member of Richmond’s coaching staff in 2012 and ’14, self-described surreal experiences that weren’t too far removed from his playing days with the Cavaliers.

This time’s different. Not only is Mines a more mature coach, but he’s coaching for UVa’s archrival, the Hokies. Have his Virginia friends forgiven him for switching sides?

“I don’t know if forgiven me is the right word. More of an understanding,” Mines said with a smile. “It’s kind of like pickup basketball, man. I’m just playing on the other team right now, and they understand this is a business.”

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