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TechnographMendenhall should let his value appreciate
By Daniel Johnson
Posted: 11/6/07 Section: Columns
The best thing that Mendenhall can do for his Heisman status is to come back next year and lead Illinois to a BCS bowl. It won't be easy for Illinois next year, having to play Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan on the road. But if Mendenhall comes back next year with the same dominating style against some of the lesser opponents and plays a key role in all three of those games, it would be extremely hard to ignore him.
As much as he has improved from last year to this year, there would likely be another huge improvement if Mendenhall stays for his senior year. Zook's coaching staff has more than proven its competence this year.
Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and running backs coach Reggie Mitchell have done a great job with Mendenhall and another year would make him that much better.
Mendenhall's blockers will undoubtedly suffer a hit with the loss of Akim Millington, Martin O'Donnell and Russ Weil.
But the way that the line has performed under first-year offensive line coach Eric Wolford speaks to his ability to coach and hopefully replace players where needed.
Juice Williams will progress more and be a better quarterback next year, too, opening up the offense more which in turn is going to make defenses worry about Mendenhall less and the passing game more.
So, Rashard, I don't think I'm the first to ask you, but how about you stay in Champaign for one more year? I'm thinking you came to Illinois to win, and you'll get that chance. You'll be able to run all over Louisiana-Lafayette and Eastern Illinois.
You can stick it to Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin in their stadiums and put Illinois football back on the map. You can hang out with Walter more, too. You'll only have an opportunity like that once. It just makes sense.
The League will still be there in 2009, waiting for you and your Heisman Trophy.
Daniel Johnson is a junior in Communications. He can be reached at sports@dailyillini.com.
As much as he has improved from last year to this year, there would likely be another huge improvement if Mendenhall stays for his senior year. Zook's coaching staff has more than proven its competence this year.
Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and running backs coach Reggie Mitchell have done a great job with Mendenhall and another year would make him that much better.
Mendenhall's blockers will undoubtedly suffer a hit with the loss of Akim Millington, Martin O'Donnell and Russ Weil.
But the way that the line has performed under first-year offensive line coach Eric Wolford speaks to his ability to coach and hopefully replace players where needed.
Juice Williams will progress more and be a better quarterback next year, too, opening up the offense more which in turn is going to make defenses worry about Mendenhall less and the passing game more.
So, Rashard, I don't think I'm the first to ask you, but how about you stay in Champaign for one more year? I'm thinking you came to Illinois to win, and you'll get that chance. You'll be able to run all over Louisiana-Lafayette and Eastern Illinois.
You can stick it to Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin in their stadiums and put Illinois football back on the map. You can hang out with Walter more, too. You'll only have an opportunity like that once. It just makes sense.
The League will still be there in 2009, waiting for you and your Heisman Trophy.
Daniel Johnson is a junior in Communications. He can be reached at sports@dailyillini.com.
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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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