The former University of Tulsa and Jenks High School star recently took part in the Patriots' three-day mini-camp, where he worked out at tight end and fullback.

"I felt like I had a pretty good mini-camp," Mills said. "I'm always looking for things to improve on and go out each day and show the coaches what I can do."

Mills, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft, drew snaps with the first-team offense during recent workouts, but warned against reading too much into that.

"The coaches were just working guys in and out, getting guys reps and seeing how they do with certain other guys in there," Mills said.

While he is one of many players trying to make the 53-man roster, the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder doesn't want to relive the past.

Mills spent his rookie year with a hip injury, which kept him inactive until midseason, when the Patriots placed him on injured reserve.

"It was frustrating,"Mills said. "Obviously, you have expectations and hopes for your first season at this level to go better than mine did, but you take what's given to you.

"You find out something about yourself. You can't let (the injury) bring you down."

Mills was a versatile weapon for the Golden Hurricane, and it seems New England coaches envision him in that role at the pro level.

Mills doesn't care where the coaches put him on the field. He just wants to do his best and hope it earns a spot on the final roster.

"I still carry the same things that (former Tulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe and tight ends coach Matt Wells) taught," he said. "You control the things you can control. Coach Kragthorpe talked a lot about attitude and effort, that if you keep those in check and do the things you have control over, you can't do any more.

"In the end, it's the coach's decision and he does what's best for the team. You just hope to put yourself in position to be part of the plan."

Mills will spend this week on vacation before preparing for his second training camp.

While the Patriots are his new team, Mills still keeps tabs on his old team.

"I'm excited about my football season coming up, but I'm also excited to see how Tulsa does,"he said. "I'm still very close to (quarterback) Paul (Smith). It's going to be a big year for him and I'm excited to see what he can do leading the team.

"Obviously, I had a previous relationship with Coach (Todd) Graham. The university made a great decision in bringing him back.

"He has a lot of energy and confidence. The program is headed in the right direction and I'm excited to see all of it."

Eric Bailey 581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com