At 260 pounds, Fresno State̢۪s Ryan Wendell might be the smallest starter on the offensive line, but the senior center̢۪s experience and talent have garnered him national recognition on the preseason watch list for the Rimington Award.
“Ryan is an outstanding football player,� head coach Pat Hill said in a press statement. “He’s the kind of player you love to have on your team. He’s a leader, he’s an excellent student, he works hard in all areas. He’s a talented guy and certainly deserving of any awards he gets.�
The award, which is in its eighth year, is named after Dave Rimington, a consensus first team All-America center at Nebraska in 1981 and 1982.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be associated with the Rimington Award,� Wendell said in a press statement. “Dave Rimington is a legend and an idol for offensive linemen. There have been some outstanding players who’ve won this award over the years and I’m flattered to be considered a candidate.�
Wendell has started 35 consecutive games for the Bulldogs̢۪ offensive line and as a true freshman in 2004 was named the WAC Freshman of the Year and earned first-team All-America honors. Wendell was only the second offensive linemen in league history to be named WAC Freshman of the Year.
Wendell has opened holes for three straight 1,000-yard rushers and in 2005 was a force at left guard for an offense that was ranked in the Top 10 nationally for scoring.
Last season, Wendell started at left guard for Fresno State̢۪s first eight games, but then moved to center for the final four games of the season.