Rylie Mills Experienced A Different Feeling At Notre Dame On Saturday

2020 Lake Forest (Ill.) defensive end Rylie Mills‍ is no stranger to Notre Dame as the Irish commit made a return to his future home over the weekend. 

The 6-foot-6, 275-pounder also experienced new a feeling when he stepped on campus as days are getting closer to his arrival.

“It was definitely different this time because it was the first time I’ve been back since I committed,” Mills stated. “It was a blast. We got to check out the new indoor and it’s awesome. They really put a lot into it. 

“It was a rivalry week, so everyone was going crazy and the atmosphere was insane.” 

The big recruiting weekend also provided a chance for Mills to interact with his future teammates and get to know potential teammates on Saturday.

“We got there a little late, but we were able to chill out,” explained Mills. “They set up the new indoor facility with tables and food. It was cool because they put all the recruits next to each other at tables. We were able to talk to the 2020 commits and the other recruits that were there. I liked how it was set up because you were able to mix and meet people.” 

While the game was important, Mills enjoyed his time getting to know his future teammates as he hadn’t met a few of them before this weekend’s visit.

“They’re really good people,” Mill said. “That’s one of the things that excites me about Notre Dame. When I talked to Gabriel Rubio‍ or Alexander Ehrensberger‍, they were really good dudes and seem like Notre Dame people. Being around people like that excites me. They’re hard workers and good dudes. Gabe’s tearing it up this season and I saw Alex’s film and he’s tearing it up. 

“I don’t get to talk to Alex in person because he’s from Germany, so I probably won’t see him again until we’re in college. It was great to see everyone there. They were all super personable and they come from great families.” 

Ehrensberger has been somewhat of an unknown to many as his residence in Germany has made it hard to see him play or to get to know him as a person.

Mills was intrigued to meet him for the first time and it couldn’t have gone better. 

“He was a really cool dude,” stated Mills. “He was easy going and cool to talk to. I was talking about what his experience on his official visit was like and we were joking back and forth. We were going joking about the admissions process and stuff. We talked about his experience in Germany and the differences in school and what he has to do when it came to applying. 

It was cool to see what was going on with him. I thought we hit it off right away. He’s a good guy. We’re both similar kids.” 

The Irish staff also made an appearance before the game to make sure they spent time with the future of the program.

“The coaches came in and we talked to them for a little bit before they had to go get ready for the game,” said Mills. “I really like Coach (Mike) Elston because he’s encouraging me to go say hi to other people and introducing me to other people.”

Mills’ relationship with Elston is a healthy one and one of the reasons he picked the Irish over Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Elston didn’t stop the relationship once Mills committed and in fact, it’s only gotten stronger as the four-star prospect has battled a little adversity this fall. 

“Coach Elston is excited to know I’m coming mid-year,” laughed Mills. “He’s excited for me to join the brotherhood. It means a lot he’s still thinking about me and excited about me coming. It makes you feel even better coming into all of this. 

“When I got injured a little bit during the season, he was always sending me a text about how I was doing and making sure I was alright. When I told him I could play, he was excited because it was my senior season. He wanted me to have fun with my team to finish my last year of high school. It means a lot he’s in my corner and he’s just a really good guy overall.”

Mills will be on campus in January and couldn’t be more excited to be part of one of the nation’s top defensive line hauls. 

He knows the Irish are close to getting over the hump to play for a title and believes his class could help Notre Dame reach that goal. 

“Coach (Brian) Polian gives a similar speech every time we go up for a game about how they are right there for competing for a National Championship. They didn’t beat Georgia, but you saw the pieces were there. 

“It’s a testament to how well the coaches have done recruiting the kind of guys who are right for Notre Dame. It’s super exciting to be part of a class that has a lot of talent coming in. Hopefully, we can come in and be that bridge to get that National Championship. 

“It’s a great group of guys who are good fits for Notre Dame.”