Zook believes Mendenhall is headed to the NFL

Illinois football coach Ron Zook acknowledged Friday that he expects junior running back Rashard Mendenhall to declare for the NFL draft.

Mendenhall will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon at Niles West High School, where he is expected to announce his departure for the NFL, perhaps the start a trend for Illini football if Zook keeps stocking the roster with highly rated talent.