Penn State Q&A: Tyrece Mills talks move back to safety, first year on campus, and more
Penn State defender Tyrece Mills has as many positions as he has years in the program. The Nittany Lion has not yet made his in-game debut in State College. But, now back at a familiar spot, he hopes to change that in 2023.
A former standout at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa., Mills was recruited by head coach James Franklin and his staff as a safety. However, shortly after he arrived on campus, the Lions decided to give him a shot at linebacker.
“They just basically told me it’s more of a chance to get on the field at linebacker, and that I fit the size and everything, so it was going to be easier to get on the field at linebacker, so make that switch,” Mills told BWI. “I’ll do anything to help the team win. So I just decided to do it.”
Fast forward a year, however, and the Philadelphia native is back at safety ahead of his first spring practice in State College. There, he joins a crowded and talented position room that features numerous players who are hungry to grow their roles this fall.
Mill is the feature of today’s BWI Q&A.
Penn State Q&A: Tyrece Mills
BWI: What are your biggest strengths as a defender?
Tyrece Mills: “My physicality. I play real aggressive. And, I play fast. So I’m going to run to the ball every play. You’re not going to have to worry about that, seeing me not running to the ball. I feel as though that’s a big strength.”
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BWI: What did you gain during winter workouts, and which areas are you focused on most before and during spring practice?
TM: “[During winter workouts, it was just becoming quicker, faster, stronger, and [areas] all across the board, in every aspect. [As for spring practice], I just want to get smarter with the playbook, learning all the plays, and getting familiar with just everything about the game. Learning different offenses and things like that.”
BWI: How has safeties coach Anthony Poindexter influenced you?
TM: “He always talks to me and gives me wisdom. He always keeps me up. I can talk to him anytime. I can name a couple coaches like that. But, Coach Dex, he always kept me levelheaded.”
BWI: In your mind, what is the outlook for the Penn State defense in 2023?
TM: “This is the type of defense where everyone can eat. That’s the thing I’m most excited about. Just seeing last year, and seeing everybody make plays, the family aspect like that; everyone is going to eat.”
