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GOLD & BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 25, ISSUE 4 24 physicality. "He's a run-through-you, at- tack-you guy," offensive line coach Jim Bridge said, "that we're really ex- cited to have as we continue to devel- op the identity up front of being the most physical offensive line in the Big Ten. … Great hips, great feet and a physical presence up front." State 3A power Chatard has long been known for its commitment to running the football and it had the of- fensive line to do it this season. McCann was flanked by Illinois signee Adam Solomon at tackle and potential high-major 2016 signee Danny Godlevske at center. "I'm definitely more of a run-block- ing lineman," McCann said. "That's always been my strength. I think I have the potential to be a complete lineman if I improve my pass-block- ing skills." For McCann, improvement has come through physical development. He said he's cut down his body fat percentage significantly, and it showed last summer. "McCann made good progress be- tween his junior and senior seasons leaning up his frame, which result- ed in greater athleticism and quick- ness," Helmholdt said. "He is a good drive-blocker who plays with good pad level and stays with his man once he locks on. McCann can punch and mirror defenders, but does get caught lunging sometimes when he does not stay conscientious of keeping his feet moving." One thing about McCann: He is ea- ger to get to that block. He was asked what defines him as an offensive lineman. "Toughness," he said, "and the will to get the man I'm blocking from Point A to B at all costs." McCann has the physical tools to play guard or tackle but Purdue has initially ear-marked him as a right tackle, though that could be subject to change over time. MICHAEL MENDEZ Purdue found the 6-4, 286-pounder in Los Fresnos, Texas — a stone's throw from Mexico — in the summer, issued an early offer and diligently recruited him long before he ever set foot on cam- pus for his December official visit. Others did recruit Mendez, Kansas and UTEP among them, but he did go largely overlooked, which as it turned out was just the way Purdue liked it. Los Fresnos coach Clint Finley be- lieves Mendez may not have gotten the recruiting attention he might have elsewhere in the state, due to what he believes to be a "stigma" among recruiters about the level of football that far south. Regardless, Finley says Purdue stole one in landing Mendez, who's already enrolled in West Lafayette. "He's very athletic and he's very smart with a great work ethic and maybe the best thing about him is he's only 17 years old and there's no telling how big and strong and fast the young man's going to be once they get a hold of him (at Purdue) and he matures (physically)," Finley said. "He was a 14-year-old sopho- more for me who could bench close to 330 pounds and squat close to (500) and it's just going to be unbelievable what he's going to turn into when he 1241 Cumberland Ave, Suite B West Lafayette, IN 47906 Phone: 765-497-0197 www.bankerinvestmentgroup.com A Fee-Based Investment Advisor located in the Purdue Research Park 25+ Years of Investment Management Experience Bill Banker, President Purdue University Alumni 85' Purdue Baseball Alumni 81'-85' Los Fresnos Mike Mendez likely will need to work on pass protection, but he likes to be physical in run-blocking.