So, we've seen Bronco Mendenhall up close, front and center for most of this decade. What is his image, what does he project himself to be?

Depends on your perspective. There are rival fans instate who respect what he's doing, but don't like how he's doing it - taking advantage of religion. Others, particularly in Cougartown love him for that very reason and say, "it's about time." Other BYU departments are taking on Mendenhall's mantra and example.

Others see him as robotic, cold and tough to get close to. Others, including BYU's administration see him as a dependable mechanic who has stepped into a role as a teacher, philosopher and valued leader who has simple fixed a lot of problems with the Cougar football program.

Still, he projects other images. He's in great physical shape. He is a surfer and loves horses and his privacy. He is also somewhat of a tent preacher, taking his fireside act on the road and at home on a regular basis.

Now he's added one more take. He rides a Harley Davidson, a bike called a Fat Boy, in the soft tail class. It's a motorcycle with that patented gutsy roar and you can hear the 96 cubic inch engine blocks away. He gears up for the ride, complete with leather from ankles to neck. And he likes that image.

"I love it, it puts me in my own private world. Where a routine trip to work used to be mundane, now it's a trip I look forward to taking. I can't get enough of it," Mendenhall told me while the Nike camp was going on in the Indoor Practice Facility.

Older brothers Mat and Marty are both hog riders and have built and ridden choppers for years. After his first season, they told him of he could get the Cougars turned around and winning 11 or 12 games, they'd buy him a chopper. Well, BYU did it in John Beck's senior year. But they kind of told their little brother something like, 'yeah, but can you do it again?'"

BYU did it again in 2007.

Timpanogos Harley Davidson bailed out Mat and Marty. The dealership worked out a marketing deal with BYU/Mendenhall for him to receive a Fat Boy to ride around. All parties are pleased.

Images.

We're all guilty of protecting them or projecting them in one form or another. Mendenhall is absolutely comfortable with the image he's projecting and thinks the Harley is a nice touch. Reporters who cover Mendenhall are grateful for his brutal honesty in answering questions.

What do you think of Mendenhall and what is exactly his image?