Illinois RB/DB Talks About Commitment

The University of Illinois landed two key commitments. Walter Mendenhall and younger brother Rashard say they'll play their college football for Ron Turner.

Walter Mendenhall, a 6-foot, 195-pound running back/free safety from Skokie (Ill.) Niles West has given a pledge to the University of Illinois.

Mendenhall is a three-year varsity starter that rushed for 1,193 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. He averaged 8.3 yards per carry in 2002.

“I’m committed 100% to Illinois,” said Mendenhall. “Colorado, Purdue, Northwestern and Northern Illinois are the other schools that offered me a scholarship.

“I picked Illinois because I liked the location and the coaching staff. My family can come watch me play and I’m not that far away from home.

“I went to Illinois on an unofficial visit and got along well with the players and I got a chance to check out the offensive scheme at Illinois and I liked what I saw.”

Walter Mendenhall says Illinois is recruiting him as a running back but don’t be surprised if he ends up in the defensive backfield for the Illini.

Walter’s younger brother, Rashard Mendenhall has also given the Fighting Illini a verbal commitment. The 5-foot-11, 182-pound junior has 4.3 speed and was offered several scholarships before deciding to join his brother in Champaign.