Boise State picked up a commitment from one of the more versatile defensive players out West when Phillip Mills announced for the Broncos Monday night.

"I always had a feeling I was going to Boise State," Mills said Monday night following his announcement. "They were the first school to believe in me, they were my first offer and they made me feel at home there.

"I could tell they really wanted me and I got that family feel on my visit and that put them over the top. I'm really excited to be a Bronco and I can't wait to get there."

Mills visited Boise State back in April and it was easy to see the Broncos had made a big impression on him.

"The second I got to campus, the whole staff was there to greet me," Mills said. "Most head coaches don't get that involved on the visits but Coach (Bryan) Harsin spent over an hour with me and my family and that meant a lot to us.

"Coach (Andy) Avalos (LB coach) brought me to all the linebacker meetings and introduced me to some of the players. I have a great relationship with Coach Avalos, he's an IE (Inland Empire) guy and a great person and coach."

Mills is a hard hitting safety but was recruited to play linebacker for the Broncos. He has a big frame and will have no problem filling out and moving closer to the line of scrimmage.

"I still need to call Coach Harsin but I think he was a sleep last night after I called Coach Avalos," Mills said. "I'll call him today but Coach Avalos was pretty excited about my decision.

"At this time, I'm not planning to take any other visits. I don't see why I would need to take visits anywhere else, I'm very happy with my commitment to Boise State. On my visit, they told me it's not going to be easy there and I'm going to have to work really hard but it will be worth it in the end so I'm ready to go."

Mills also visited Washington State and had offers from schools like Army, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State and Wyoming.