Penn State will be moving on from one of its top reserve defensive backs. Tyrece Mills, who appeared in 13 games this season at both safety and on special teams, is no longer with the program, a team spokesperson confirmed to StateCollege.com on Monday.
Mills, who joined the Nittany Lions in 2022 after two years at Lackawanna Community College, was on roster for the past three years and became a consistent contributor this fall. He ranked fourth in snaps among safeties, trailing Jaylen Reed, Zakee Wheatley and Dejuan Lane.
His’ jump in playing time was especially due to an injury that ended starter Kevin Winston Jr.’s season in a Sept. 7 win over Bowling Green. With greater opportunity to see the field, Mills tallied 15 tackles and an interception in 2024.
He leaves behind a secondary that will retain Wheatley and Lane and bring back King Mack, who transferred to Alabama last offseason and announced his return on Sunday. A team spokesperson has also confirmed the departure of safety Mehki Flowers, who appeared in eight games this season.
Mills and Flowers join cornerback Cam Miller and wide receiver Tyler Johnson on the list of players who have left the program this week. Also departing since the end of the regular season have been quarterback Beau Pribula, tight end Jerry Cross and defensive tackle T.A. Cunningham.
