This Guy Plays Notre Dame Football: #99 Rylie Mills, Defensive Tackle

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a roster full of players, and we want to talk about them all. One Foot Down’s player profile series will, once again, take a look at every single one of them, and hopefully we all learn a little bit more about these guys, and Notre Dame’s chances for the upcoming 2021 season.

#99 Rylie Mills DT

Rylie Mills was a big-time recruiting prospect, that Notre Dame fans seem to have undervalued over the last year. Mills was a huge win as the Irish beat out some elite recruiters to get the former 4-Star’s signature in the 2020 class — such as the Ohio State Buckeyes and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mills made a little bit of a splash in 2020 as a freshman as he saw action in 9 games — which included a start in the Rose Bowl. In his limited action last year, he made 7 tackles, 2 TFL, and a half a sack.

The Restaurant That Fits

I consider the Chicago Dog to be one of the more underrated menu items at any hot dog stand, or hot dog restaurant. Like Rylie, there are other items there that you may be drawn to, but once you get a grip on that wonderful handful of greatness — there’s complete satisfaction. I’ve had them all over the place, but I’ll give props to my last stop — Weinerlicious in Mackinaw City.

2021 Outlook

I keep saying Mills is undervalued, because I firmly believe that 2021 will be a huge year for him, and I don’t see enough hype from fans or media members. Mike Elston is going to use a heavy rotation once again in 2021, and while Jayson Ademilola will undoubtedly be the starter at DT next to NT Kurt Hinish, Mills could work himself into that first man in spot. He will be battling Howard Cross and freshman Gabe Rubio. While I’m unsure of the stat impact, he massive (and freakishly wide) 6’5” 275 pound frame will help his incredible motor wreak havoc in the trenches. I’m expecting big things from Mills.