2020 IL DE Rylie Mills Is Building A Strong Relationship With Mike Elston

Life has changed quite a bit for 2020 Lake Forest (Ill.) defensive end Rylie Mills‍ in the last five months. The 6-foot-5, 265-pounder got his first offer from PJ Fleck and Minnesota on January 27th, but as May ends, Mills is up to 18 offers, including offers from Alabama and Oklahoma this week. 

“It’s been fun,” Mills told Irish Sports Daily. “I always feel humble with each offer. I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in. A lot of kids want to be in this position, and I’m also grateful the hard work has started to pay off. 

“All these schools want me and are interested in me, and it makes me motivated for this season. I know I’m on the right path.” 

The Crimson Tide doesn’t come to the Midwest often for prospects, but it’s a testament to the caliber of player the four-star prospect is becoming. 

“I wouldn’t say the offer is higher on my list, but they are the National Champions,” stated Mills. “It’s really humbling that a school that just won a National Championship and several in the past 10 years – it’s an honor to know they want me.” 

Mills has embraced the recruiting process and sometimes can’t believe he’s in the situation he has put himself in.

“A year ago, no,” Mills stated when asked if he saw this coming. “Each year I have grown differently. In eighth grade, I was 160 pounds. Heading into my sophomore year, I ended up being 270 pounds. Every year has been awesome.

“If someone told me all this would happen, I would have told them to get out of town. I’m just having a blast right now.” 

The Lake Forest star is also in the process of figuring out which position he wants to play in college. The decision likely won’t be finalized until he gets to school, but his athleticism and size provide the opportunity to play inside or outside. 

“I’m a very versatile athlete on the defensive line,” explained Mills. “I’m big enough to play the 3-tech, but I think my speed is good enough to play the 5-tech and have a good pass rush.” 

Notre Dame offered Mills in the winter, and he has remained in contact with Mike Elston and Tom Rees over the last few months. 

“I try to call Coach Elston two times a month,” stated Mills. “I also call Coach Rees. He went to my high school, so it’s awesome to see him around town too.” 

The relationship with Elston is growing by the day, and it started last summer when Mills camped at Notre Dame. 

“I have grown a good bond with Coach Elston, and we’ve become closer,” Mills said. “I like the things he has to say. I remember back to camp last summer, and I liked the way he coached. He was intense, but he was giving me the right message and leading me down the right path. 

“From a relationship standpoint, he’s done a really good job of letting me know they want me, and they are interested in me. I appreciate they are showing me the love and I’m interested in going forward over the next few years.” 

Elston would love to get Mills back on campus this summer, and it’s something Mills has started to think about as he plans out his summer visits. 

“Coach Elston told me he’d love to have me up and get around the guys this summer,” Mills explained.  “We’re still planning everything out. I know I’m going to the Michigan-Notre Dame game. 

“This summer or sometime after next season, I plan on getting up there and talking with some of the guys.” 

Despite the offers, Mills has continued to challenge himself this spring. He made an appearance on the camp circuit and took away some valuable experiences.  

“I did the Under Armour All-America camp,” Mills said. “It was a good experience to go against the best guys in the Midwest and to get to go against different kinds of players. It was a blessing to be in it.” 

The competition level was ramped up, and Mills enjoyed getting different looks and competing against some of the best in the Midwest.

“It was humbling,” said Mills. “We have some great offensive linemen at Lake Forest in Charlie Aberie and Chase Bahr. Some of the guys brought different attributes. Some guys weren’t the tallest, but they were really good at being patient. 

“Something I haven’t seen a lot was offensive linemen that don’t shoot their hands right way and showed patience. I’m working out with Kerry Neal, and he’s done a good job of helping me find ways and moves I can use on guys that don’t shoot their hands. It was a real eye-opening experience.”