Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Riots spread as Greek lawmakers OK debt bill

Illinois' Mendenhall reportedly going pro

Big Ten player of year rushed for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns

Illinois junior running back Rashard Mendenhall will enter the NFL draft, a source close to him told the Chicago Tribune on Saturday.

Mendenhall, the Big Ten Player of the Year, had a strong showing in the Rose Bowl, where he gained 155 yards rushing and added 59 receiving yards in the Fighting Illini's loss to USC.

In 2007, Mendenhall rushed 262 times for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns.

"We all know he's a first-round talent," Illinois coach Ron Zook told the Tribune.

The Tribune also reported that his mother, Sibyl, said a news conference was planned for Thursday.

© 2011 NBC Sports.com

advertisement
More news
Image: Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio - Wisconsin v Oregon
Getty Images
Overrated NFL draft prospects

  Rotoworld: Oregon RB LaMichael James and Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon among top 10 players who are being overhyped for the 2012 draft.

Image: Southern Methodist v Texas A&M
Getty Images Contributor
Rotoworld: Underrated prospects for 2012 NFL draft

  Rotoworld: Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill among the 10 players who will slip down draft boards, but probably shouldn't.