John Wendling attended Rock Springs High School in Rock Springs, Wyoming where he played football and ran track. As a junior, John was the state champion in the long jump and runner-up in the triple jump. He was also an all-state defensive back on the football team that season. As a senior, John was responsible for 1,875 all-purpose yards, including 1,147 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, helping the team to an 11-0 record and a state championship. He was named to the all-state team as a running back, defensive back, and return specialist following his senior season. John was also an outstanding student who maintained a 4.0 grade point average. He was recruited by BYU, Colorado State, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford; however, he opted to stay close to home and attend Wyoming instead. John sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. The following season, John served saw some action at free safety but was primarily used on special teams. He had 17 tackles and a pass breakup on the year. He also blocked two extra points on special teams. He was named academic all-MWC for his accomplishments in the classroom. John earned a starting position as a sophomore and went on to lead the team in tackles with 89 stops on the year. He also picked off 3 passes and broke up 6 other balls. He was named honorable mention all-MWC and academic all-MWC following the season. As a junior, John finished second on the team in tackles with 75. He intercepted 3 passes and had 3 pass breakups. He was named honorable mention all-MWC for the second consecutive season and academic all-MWC for the third consecutive season. As a senior, John totaled 78 tackles, 1 interception, and 4 pass break-ups. He was named first team all-MWC for his play as a senior.

John Wendling has a great deal of experience as a three-year starter from Wyoming. He is a versatile player who has started at both safety positions. John is an extremely intelligent player. He is a hard worker who has good leadership qualities. He has a good combination of size, speed, and athleticism for a safety. He is a tough player who hits hard and displays solid tackling technique. He does need to work on taking better angles to the ball carrier. His speed gives him the ability to make plays all over the field and he is versatile enough to play either safety position. The big question with Wendling is going to be level of competition as he didn’t play against top competition in the Mountain West Conference. He has experience on special teams which should only add to his draft day value. John Wendling has a good deal of upside and all the intangibles you look for in a player. He should be a second day selection in the 2007 NFL draft.