EDGYTIM.com wishes players from the Land of Lincoln playing in Super Bowl XLV the best of luck on Sunday. Take a look back at Rashard Mendenhall here.

Position: Running Back

Height: 5-foot-10

Weight: 225 pounds

Years in the NFL: 3

High School/College: Niles West/Illinois

Background on Rashard Mendenhall: A standout athlete at Niles West, Mendenhall along with his older brother Walter Mendenhall formed quite the duo for the Wolves back in the day as both played running back in the Niles West offense. Rashard was a four year varsity starter and standout for Niles West. Mendenhall was a four star ranked prospect by Rivals.com and the second best prospect in the EDGYTIM.com Illinois Class of 2005. Mendenhall played in the 2005 US Army All American Game.

Mendenhall committed to the University of Illinois and saw limited carries and playing time for the Illini in his 2005 and 2006 seasons. In 2007 Mendenhall had a breakout season, rushing for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns and after that season Mendenhall declared early for the NFL draft.

Mendenhall was a first round pick (23rd overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 NFL Draft. Mendenhall was expected to be a backup running back to then starter Willie Parker for Pittsburgh. Parker suffered an injury in the early part of the 2008 season and Mendenhall was given his first start in Week 5 of the NFL season. His place in the starting lineup wouldn't last long as Mendenhall suffered a shoulder injury in his first ever start and wound up on injured reserve for the rest of the 2008 season. Mendenhall again replaced an injured Willie Parker in 2009 and gained 165 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the San Diego Chargers, a game that many feel jump started his NFL career.

EDGY's thoughts on Rashard Mendenhall Might of been one of the most physically ready to go prospects I've ever seen from the Land of Lincoln. Mendenhall was just a physical specimen as a junior in high school and to this day for me remains one of the best combinations of power, strength and speed at the running back position. I also remember Mendenhall drawing about as much attention for opposing defenses as any current player has since. Teams loaded up to stop Mendenhall first and foremost.

I was able to get to know both Walter and Rashard Mendenhall pretty well in their high school careers. One common thread was I remember Rashard's Mom being a very nice lady and a very strong influence on both boys. Both Walter and Rashard are very well spoken, intelligent and well mannered kids.

Rashard Mendenhall shocked the recruiting world when during the summer in between his sophomore and junior year in high school he gave Illinois his verbal commitment at the same time his older brother Walter also committed to the Illini. Needless to say at the time that was quite a coup for the Fighting Illini. Mendenhall was again highly ranked as a 4 star prospect. You can check out Mendenhall's Rivals.com player profile page along with available video just CLICK HERE.

Rashard Mendenhall is single.

Best of luck to Rashard Mendenhall this Sunday in Super Bowl XLV.