Since 2001, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has showcased the nation’s premier high school football talent. The level of play in these games has demanded the absolute highest levels of mental, emotional and physical strengths for those participating. The expansive and continually growing list of prominent alumni featured in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl’s history stands as proof of this strength and the extraordinary level of competition. Some of the most notable All-American alumni include: 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson, Mark Sanchez, 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, Andrew Luck, and Marcus Lattimore among many more.
Currently, there are more than 100 U.S. Army All-Americans playing in the NFL. During the 2011 NFL Draft, 28 U.S. Army All-Americans were selected, including five first round selections. An incredible total of 65 U.S. Army All-Americans have been selected in the past two NFL Drafts. More and more U.S. Army All-Americans enter the NFL each season as the Army All-American Bowl continues to produce some of the game’s brightest stars on its biggest stage.
2005 All-American bowl
Niles West High School | IL
- Mendenhall was ranked as the number one recruit in the state of Illinois as a senior, after finishing the season with 1,453 yards and 14 touchdowns. This followed up a junior season where he rushed for 1,832 yards and 19 touchdowns. Mendenhall also proved his versatility by racking up over 1,000 career receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.
College: University of Illinois
- In 2007, Mendenhall came into his own, earning a spot on the All-American team, while also being named the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year. On the year, he rushed for 1,681 yards, including 155 in the Rose Bowl against USC. He also accounted for 19 total touchdowns. Mendenhall chose to declare for the NFL Draft after only three years at Illinois.
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers, Selected in the 2008 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 23rd Overall Pick
