Second chance for Mendehall proves fruitful

Walter Mendenhall carries the ball for Illinois State University during the 2008 season. The Niles West graduate emerged as the Redbirds' leading rusher after transfering from the University of Illinois.

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First they made him switch positions -- more than once.

Then they made him change schools.

But through it all Walter Mendenhall has not only persevered -- he's thrived.

And he's not done with football yet.

The former Niles West star running back says he's tried to make the most of an experience that might have left anyone bitter.

He picked up the pieces after the University of Illinois yanked his scholarship even though he had one year of eligibility remaining, and emerged as the leading rusher at Illinois State University this fall.

Now he's eyeing a professional career just like his younger brother Rashard, who left Illinois a year early to join the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Don't bet against Walter Mendenhall. That would be a mistake.

"Hopefully, the one thing I've learned since I got into college is how to persevere," he said. "When everyone says you can't do it, you just have to believe in yourself. I also learned something about loyalty. I didn't come to Illinois as coach (Ron) Zook's recruit and he had no loyalty to me. He wanted to play the guys he brought in there, but I wish he had communicated that to me earlier. I felt like I was the best guy for the [starting] job after my brother left Illinois. It was a tough blow and it completely blindsided me when they said they didn't want me back. I was mad for a period of time -- but I just had to move forward."

With a degree in sociology already under his belt at Illinois, the 6-foot, 225-pound Mendenhall still wanted a chance to carry the ball. He was used at linebacker and played mostly special teams in his first couple of seasons at Illinois, and also alternated between fullback and halfback. But he only carried the ball four times for 57 yards as a junior.

At the suggestion of Alex Filin, another former Niles West player who had played at Illinois State, Mendenhall gave the Redbirds a call. And despite the fact that he only started four games for a 3-8 ISU team, he led the Redbirds in rushing (126 carries for 796 yards, a 6.3 average) and scoring (11 touchdowns).

That's the kind of production they never had on the ground at the Big Ten school that didn't seem to need another Mendenhall around this fall.

Former ISU coach Denver Johnson, who stepped down after the season, was glad to have the elder brother.

"We knew all about him when he was in high school, but it was pretty obvious then that he was going to the Big Ten," Johnson recalled. "When he decided to come here we already had some other backs on campus. He said all he wanted was an opportunity."

Mendenhall got it when one back quit the squad and another got hurt. In his first start against Youngstown State, he ran for three touchdowns and 225 yards.

He was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference all-newcomer team for his efforts.

"He got his opportunity and he made the best of it," Johnson added. "What impressed me most about Walter was that I never heard anything but a positive word from his mouth. He never complained about not starting. I wish I had him for a couple more years."

Mendenhall took some graduate school courses at ISU and plans to spend the next few months in serious training back in the Chicago area with the National Football League draft on tap in late April.

He laughed at the suggestion that as a pro prospect he certainly doesn't have a lot of mileage (career carries) that other collegians might have.

"I had to wait my turn at ISU, learn a completely new system and try to get the trust of my new teammates and coaches," he said. "I seized that opportunity and I never let it go. I could've given up a long time ago. I know my name recognition will help me with the pros and at least that will get me a look -- not a first-round look, but a look. Every time I've had an opportunity I've succeeded, and just a shot is all I'm looking for.

"I have the size and the strength and I'm working on my speed (in the 40-yard dash). And after what I've been through I don't take anything for granted. I just thank God every day I get a chance to come out and play football."