Illinois' Mendenhall expected to announce that he's entering NFL draft

Illinois coach Ron Zook expects junior running back Rashard Mendenhall to jump to the NFL. Draft analysts think the decision was made months ago. During interviews leading up to the Rose Bowl, Mendenhall even hinted there was little reason for him to return to the Illini.

So when Mendenhall steps to the microphone this afternoon during a press conference at Niles West High School in Skokie, he will finally announce his plans to forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft.

No Illini coaches or athletic department personnel are expected to attend the announcement, and Mendenhall's mother, Sibyl, has served as the press agent. There's been little contact with Mendenhall and the Illini since the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.

Mendenhall could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the third round, a swing that would mean millions of dollars.

A one-year starter for the Illini, Mendenhall set single-season school records with 1,681 yards rushing, 1,999 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns. He earned the Silver Football from the Chicago Tribune as the Big Ten MVP.

If he would return for his senior season, he would likely be a candidate for the Heisman Trophy, but Mendenhall said that wasn't high on his list during an interview prior to the Rose Bowl.

"In my mind, there's not too much'' that would bring him back to college football, he said. "I'm not big on accolades and awards.''

Mendenhall didn't return to campus with his teammates, who talked amongst themselves that they didn't expect him back for another year. After speaking with Mendenhall and his mother the previous day, Zook said Friday that Mendenhall isn't expected back.

"If I was guessing, I'd say Rashard is coming out,'' Zook said.

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com <http://www.sj-r.com> and www.pjstar.com <http://www.pjstar.com> .