Illinois RB Mendenhall to enter draft

Jan 10, 2008 - 9:03 PM CHAMPAIGN, Illinois (Ticker) -- University of Illinois tailback Rashard Mendenhall announced on Thursday that he will forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Mendenhall was a big reason the Illini (9-4) had a seven-win improvement from 2006-07 and reached the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1984.

"This was a very difficult decision because it means leaving the teammates who have meant so much to me the past three years," Mendenhall said.

The 5-11, 224-pound Mendenhall set single-season school records of 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns, as well as overall TDs (19), all-purpose yards (1,999) and scoring (114).

He was the lone bright spot in Illinois' 49-17 loss to Southern California on New Year's Day as he carried 17 times for 155 yards and a TD against a tough USC defense.

"It has been a life-long dream to play professional football and I feel now is my best opportunity to take that next step," Mendenhall said. "This season has been a great growing experience and I am happy that I was a part of such a special year for Illinois football. I will always think fondly of my time at Illinois and I look forward to representing the Fighting Illini in the NFL."

Mendenhall twice surpassed 200 yards in a game this season, including a career-high 214 yards in a 27-14 victory at Indiana on September 22.

"Rashard had an amazing season," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "His performance this year showed that he will be a very talented back at the next level. I am excited for Rashard as he enters this next phase of his football career. I can't thank him enough for his dedication to the Illinois football program and wish him nothing but the best in the NFL."