ESPN reporting Rashard Mendenhall declaring (1 Viewer)

[pinda]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?i...e=ESPNHeadlines

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 yards 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.

 

[EBF]

No surprise. I see him going off the board between picks 20-32.

 

[B Maverick]

I think he needs to declare, they had a tremendous season at illinois, 2nd in the conference, an upset over Ohio St and a trip to the Rose Bowl. I dont think another year can help his stock, it can only hurt.

Good hands out of the backfield, good size and speed. He and Stewart will fight to be the #2 rb off the board.