Returns for a fifth year after moving into the starting lineup at inside linebacker in 2009... slated to again start at one of the inside linebacker slots this fall... sixth on the 2009 squad in total tackles... recovered from an injury suffered in 2008 to appear in all eleven games for the Rams in 2009... made one solo tackle in the 2009 Spring Game... gained significant experience in 2007, appearing in eleven games... enjoyed a successful 2008 spring practice season, capping it with five tackles in the Spring Game... did not see varsity action in 2006... named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2008 and 2009. 2009: Appeared in all eleven games for the Rams at linebacker, starting four... finished the season with 50 total tackles, 27 solo, including two for loss and one sack... also had three pass break ups, two fumble recoveries and one interception... made nine tackles, three solo, and forced two fumbles in the win over Bucknell... also had nine stops, six solo, against Columbia... finished with eight total tackles, four solo, in the Lehigh game... recorded five solo tackles, including two for loss and one sack, in the season-ending win at Georgetown... also made five tackles, two solo, against Holy Cross... had four tackles at Colgate and at Cornell. 2008: Did not see action as a junior due to injury. 2007: Appeared in eleven games as a sophomore, both at linebacker and on special teams... recorded eight total tackles on the year, three solo... made two tackles, one solo, in the Liberty Cup win over Columbia... also had a pair of tackles in the season-opening win at Rhode Island. 2006: Did not see varsity action. Before Fordham: A graduate of St. Joseph[apos]s Prep High School in Philadelphia where he lettered for three years with the football team... named Honorable Mention All-Catholic in 2005... Varsity Special Teams MVP... also named Freshman Football MVP and JV Football Defensive MVP in his high school career... member of the National Honor Society... also received the Cum Laude-Latin Award... attended same high school as Fordham teammates Ryan Bradley and Jamir Livingston. Personal: Son of Martha and Armando Mendez... has an older bother (Greg) and two younger sisters (Samantha and Danielle)... a Business Administration major.