Illinois RB Mendenhall to go pro

[victor2111]

That is going to hurt Illinois a little bit.

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Source: Big Ten player of the year Mendenhall going pro

Illinois junior running back Rashard Mendenhall will enter the NFL draft, a source close to him said Saturday.

Mendenhall, the Big Ten Player of the Year, made his final case as a pro prospect in the Rose Bowl, where he gained 155 rushing and added 59 receiving yards in the Fighting Illini's loss to Southern California.

In 2007, Mendenhall rushed 262 times for 1,681 yards -- an average of 6.4 yards per attempt -- and 17 touchdowns.

Mendenhall's college coach, Ron Zook, told the Chicago Tribune that he expected he would turn pro.

"We all know he's a first-round talent," Zook said, according to the newspaper.

The Tribune also reported that his mother, Sibyl, said a news conference was planned for Thursday at Niles West High School, his alma mater.

[andy]

A little-lot you mean. I thought Williams and Mendenhall, with another year under their belt would be a strong force in the Big Ten.

[angrybaldman]

Good news for us!

[buckeyzfan]

very good news...I'm gonna try to go to that game next year

[buckeyeabroad]

How do you think Mendenhall will do in the draft?

Some other big name backs coming out, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles, and of course McFadden. Hart oughta get big attention too, and there's a guy at Tulane named, Matt Forte, 6-1, 230lbs, who had a breakout season.

[jimmyjam]

buckeyeabroad said:

How do you think Mendenhall will do in the draft?

Some other big name backs coming out, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles, and of course McFadden. Hart oughta get big attention too, and there's a guy at Tulane named, Matt Forte, 6-1, 230lbs, who had a breakout season.

Mendenhall will be a top 20 pick. Second or third back tacken in the draft. Hart will be a second or third round pick IMO because of chronic injuries.

[buckeyzfan]

Look at the arms on Gholston...he is one scary lookin' dude!

As for Mendenhall, I agree that he is one of the top RB's in the draft, but I'm not sure how he'll grade out. We'll probably have to wait and see how he does in the combine.

[buckeyeabroad]

Gholston has been one of my favorites since the 1-arm stop in last year's Iowa game. He's gonna be a great if he stays healthy. Wish he would stay one more year but unlikely.

I think Mendenhall may go later/lower than forecast. Combines will tell. You are right, bzf.

[pabarlag99]

just a prediction - he'll be the second RB off the board and have an awesome pro career.

the thing that stands out to me is that he, like run dMC, has awesome field vision. can't coach that. he's awesome and i wish him well. he represented himself and illinois well in the rose bowl

[buckeyeintx]

kingjimmyjamtosu said:

buckeyeabroad said:

How do you think Mendenhall will do in the draft?

Some other big name backs coming out, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles, and of course McFadden. Hart oughta get big attention too, and there's a guy at Tulane named, Matt Forte, 6-1, 230lbs, who had a breakout season.

Mendenhall will be a top 20 pick. Second or third back tacken in the draft. Hart will be a second or third round pick IMO because of chronic injuries.

And his(Hart) case of fumbleitis.






j/k

[byco42]

I have my reservations about Mike Hart ... too straight-ahead for his size for the pros. And will not break any land speed records in the combine.

I expect his status will drop. And that the Lions will make him their #1.

[victor2111]

byco42 said:

I have my reservations about Mike Hart ... too straight-ahead for his size for the pros. And will not break any land speed records in the combine.

I expect his status will drop. And that the Lions will make him their #1.

I'm a 49ers fan and I will tell you

Mike Hart reminds me A LOT of Frank Gore.
Gore and Hart both big guys with not the best speed but are not slow..Both have power and can break tackles.