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TechnographMendenhall should let his value appreciate
By Daniel Johnson
Posted: 11/5/07 Section: Columns
In the Nov. 5 edition of the Daily Illini, the column titled "Mendenhall should let his value appreciate" said Darren McFadden plays for Alabama. He plays for Arkansas. The Daily Illni regrets the error.
In light of his body of work this year, and especially Saturday's performance, I think that Rashard Mendenhall's play is starting to turn the heads of NFL scouting departments.
Stop it, NFL. I want him to stay for next year.
Mendenhall is kind of good, if you haven't noticed. As of Sunday - the day he shouldn't be playing on this time next year - he is fourth in the nation in yards on the ground, tied for sixth in touchdowns and sixth in yards per carry as well.
It is admittedly selfish of me to expect him to come back next year, but there is definitely good reason for him to.
I think that the first reason for Mendenhall is draft position. If Mendenhall comes out this year, I think that he would likely be drafted in the second to third round.
It's not really his fault; I blame the system of the college football media for not paying attention to a player from the Big Ten if said player's jersey doesn't have Michigan or Ohio State on it. If he played for one of those teams or an SEC team, there's little doubt that he would be heavily featured in the Heisman talk right now. Instead, running backs like Steve Slaton, Mike Hart and Darren McFadden are the ones that get all the love.
Granted, West Virginia and Michigan have better records than Illinois, and Arkansas' is similar at 6-3.
West Virginia has beaten the likes of Rutgers on its tough schedule and Michigan has beaten ... no one really. But at least the Wolverines don't have any horribly embarrassing losses on the year that would have knocked any other team out of BCS consideration.
Ranting aside, Mendenhall simply isn't getting the exposure of the other players. While I don't doubt that NFL evaluators would see his ability on film and hear about it from players and coaches, the players who ESPN fall in love with (see: Tebow, Tim) are the only ones that are relevant in Heisman consideration.
In light of his body of work this year, and especially Saturday's performance, I think that Rashard Mendenhall's play is starting to turn the heads of NFL scouting departments.
Stop it, NFL. I want him to stay for next year.
Mendenhall is kind of good, if you haven't noticed. As of Sunday - the day he shouldn't be playing on this time next year - he is fourth in the nation in yards on the ground, tied for sixth in touchdowns and sixth in yards per carry as well.
It is admittedly selfish of me to expect him to come back next year, but there is definitely good reason for him to.
I think that the first reason for Mendenhall is draft position. If Mendenhall comes out this year, I think that he would likely be drafted in the second to third round.
It's not really his fault; I blame the system of the college football media for not paying attention to a player from the Big Ten if said player's jersey doesn't have Michigan or Ohio State on it. If he played for one of those teams or an SEC team, there's little doubt that he would be heavily featured in the Heisman talk right now. Instead, running backs like Steve Slaton, Mike Hart and Darren McFadden are the ones that get all the love.
Granted, West Virginia and Michigan have better records than Illinois, and Arkansas' is similar at 6-3.
West Virginia has beaten the likes of Rutgers on its tough schedule and Michigan has beaten ... no one really. But at least the Wolverines don't have any horribly embarrassing losses on the year that would have knocked any other team out of BCS consideration.
Ranting aside, Mendenhall simply isn't getting the exposure of the other players. While I don't doubt that NFL evaluators would see his ability on film and hear about it from players and coaches, the players who ESPN fall in love with (see: Tebow, Tim) are the only ones that are relevant in Heisman consideration.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
IlliniMike
posted 11/05/07 @ 10:06 AM CST
Nice article. Just a couple things: McFadden plays for Arkansas not Alabama. Likewise I selfishly hope he stays. I don't think he's been slighted in the media though. (Continued…)
Scott '03, '05
posted 11/05/07 @ 7:25 PM CST
Mendenhall should take whatever money he can now. If he gets any injury next year, he goes into the draft with the "fragile" label. If he plays the last few games of the season strong, he'll be a 2nd round draft pick. (Continued…)
Daniel Johnson
posted 11/05/07 @ 8:15 PM CST
Thanks for pointing out my miscue, IlliniMike. I did neglect the fact that those other starters have had big years in the past and that McFadden goes to Arkansas, not Alabama. (Continued…)
Patch
posted 4/20/08 @ 5:17 PM CST
As the NFL Draft approaches, it is clear that you couldn't have been more wrong. Have some confidence in your fellow Illini.
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