All-conference honoree returns as one of three seniors slated to anchor a veteran offensive line ... is expected to once again start at the left guard position that he manned for all 14 games a season ago ... the smallest of ASU’s projected starting linemen makes up for relative lack of size with athleticism and terrific technique.

2009: Started all 14 games at right guard ... earned second-team all-Southern Conference recognition from the league’s media ... part of a durable and cohesive starting five that made all 14 starts as a unit ... graded out at 75 percent or better in 9-of-12 graded performances, including eight of the final 10 ... earned a team-best 86-percent grade over 50 plays in rout over Georgia Southern ... was charged with allowing just one sack all season.

2008: Saw action in all 14 games, mostly splitting playing time with all-conference honoree Brad Coley ... when Mills would replace Coley — ASU’s starting left tackle for all 14 games in 2008 — Mario Acitelli would slide from left guard to left tackle and Mills would occupy the left guard spot vacated by Acitelli ...  Mills graded out at 75 percent or better in 7-of-11 graded performances ... turned in his best showing of the season with a grade of 83 percent over 31 plays against Presbyterian ... was in for a season-high 36 snaps at Georgia Southern.

2007: Played in six games ... most extensive action came at Elon, where he was in for 83 snaps due to an early injury to right tackle Jonathan Bieschke ... tallied four knockdowns apiece in wins over Lenoir-Rhyne and Elon.

2006: Redshirted.

High School: Helped lead Providence to a 9-2 record as a senior, en route to first-team all-Mecklenburg recognition from the Charlotte Observer ... played offensive tackle as a prep ... teamed with current ASU teammates Orry Frye and Matt Ruff and former Mountaineer Tim Frye.

Personal: Full name is James Patrick Mills ... born April 1, 1988 (22 years old) ... son of Gail and Dean Mills ... enjoys fishing, hiking, camping and playing guitar ... majoring in criminal justice.