Ohio State is set to welcome Lake Forest, Ill., four-star defensive end Rylie Mills back to campus for an official visit April 26-28.
“I’m really looking forward to hanging out with the players and seeing what life is like outside of football,” Mills told Buckeye Sports Bulletin.
This marks the third trip to Columbus for the 6-5, 275-pound Mills since the Buckeyes extended a scholarship offer last May, which includes an unofficial visit for the 30-14 win over Minnesota in October. He spent a considerable amount of time that weekend with then-head coach Urban Meyer, defensive line coach Larry Johnson and offensive line coach/area recruiter Greg Studrawa.
“I like Coach Johnson a lot,” Mills said. “He’s a really good guy, and I like how he’s honest, as well as his intensity with his players. I think he really knows how to develop players.”
Mills — who is considered the seventh-best strong side defensive end and No. 120 prospect overall in the class of 2020 — holds more than two dozen offers from programs such as Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee, but Ohio State, Notre Dame and Wisconsin are the only programs he’s considering at this time.
“I like how competitive they are from a football standpoint,” Mills said of the Buckeyes. “I also really like the school and thought the campus was really nice.”
Also working in Ohio State’s favor is Greg Mattison’s arrival. The Buckeyes’ new co-defensive coordinator was Mills’ primary recruiter as the Wolverines’ defensive line coach last season.
“I know the coaching world has a lot of changes, so I understand the move,” Mills said. “I think it’s really cool that he and Coach Johnson are now together at Ohio State.”
Mills has already taken official visits with the Fighting Irish (April 6) and Badgers (April 12), and plans to make a decision on his future within the next month.
“I think looking at the level of academics and the level of football will be big factors in my decision,” Mills said.
