It has been a long wait for Rashard Mendenhall, the running back many considered the top prospect coming out of Illinois high schools three years ago.
When Illinois opens the season Saturday against Missouri in St. Louis, the junior from Niles West finally will be a starter — The Guy.
“This is the best I’ve ever felt going into a season, mentally and physically,” he said. “I’m as ready as I can be. I have experience playing the last couple of years.”
And now offensive coordinator Mike Locksley believes he’s ready to become one of the leaders of the offense.
“He’s right on the cusp,” Locksley said. “I’ve seen his work ethic improve. I’ve seen him put together more consistent practices. There were times last year no matter what we did he wasn’t going to get going at the tempo we wanted and we put him on the shelf. But now, with him knowing he is the guy, I’ve seen a change in a way he approaches his work.”
Mendenhall spent his first two seasons playing behind Pierre Thomas and E.B. Halsey. But his helmet didn’t exactly collect rust. He carried 48 times for a 4.5-yard average as a freshman and had 78 rushes and a gaudy 8.2 yards per carry as a sophomore.
Last fall, the 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pounder showed big-play ability with an 86-yard touchdown run against Northwestern, a 79-yard run against Penn State as part of a career-high 161-yard day, and a 76-yard touchdown reception against Syracuse, 11th longest in school history.
His average per carry should come down with increased work, though the Illini profess not to be conceding that.
“He’s explosive. I’ve coached guys who’ve gone on to the next level,” said Locksley, who compared Mendenhall to the Oakland Raiders’ LaMont Jordan, whom he coached at Maryland.
“He’s as talented as any of them, and I’ve told him that. He has big-play ability all over him. If he runs like he’s supposed to run, runs physical and takes care of the football, those stats are still attainable.”
Taking care of the football is an issue for Mendenhall. Turnovers killed the Illini’s hopes of taking bigger strides in ’06.
“We know that has been our Achilles’ heel,” Locksley said. “Our guys who touch the ball know that, and I’ve seen progress out of them this camp.”
Head coach Ron Zook gave Mendenhall a public challenge before training camp, saying it was his time to come through.
“I’m very proud of Rashard, the work ethic he has had, the maturity he has shown,” Zook said. “He has had a great camp. He’s a great athlete with a lot of mobility.”
Until Illinois proves it can pass consistently, Mendenhall may be the target of opposing defenses, though he’s encouraged by what he has seen from sophomore quarterback Juice Williams and receivers Arrelious Benn, Kyle Hudson and Joe Morgan.
“Last year we led the Big Ten in rushing, so I’m sure everyone knows our running game,” he said. “But I don’t think it’ll be too much on me. We have balance on offense. It won’t be all on me.”
When Mendenhall needs a confidant, he doesn’t have to look far. His brother Walter, at 21 about 1 1/2 years older but also a junior in eligibility, is a backup running back.
“I’ll do a little double duty,” Walter Mendenhall said. “I’ll get on the field, block for my brother. That’s basically a dream come true.
“He always reads the blocks right. He makes you look good no matter what you do.”
The two are close in more than age.
“It’s definitely great playing with him,” Rashard said. “He’s my best friend. We’ve been on the same team for a long time. It’s like having another set of eyes and ears out there. Things I don’t see he’ll let me know about.”
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tabannon@tribune.com
