Bryant University

As a freshman: Appeared in eight games for the Bulldogs in 2015 ... Played along the defensive line ... Finished the season with three tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble ... Posted two tackles, a half sack and a forced fumble at No. 1 Coastal Carolina ... Picked up a sack vs. Saint Francis.

Before Bryant: A three-year starter for head coach Ed Gurrieri at Manalapan High … Helped the Braves to an 11-1 record and their fifth-straight A-North championship … Also led Braves to Central Jersey Group 5 championship … Collected 83 tackles, five sacks, an interception, 14 QB hurries and two forced fumbles during his senior season … Named Impact Player of the Year, Third Team All-Shore and First Team A-North as a junior.

Personal: The son of Kelly and Miguel Mendez, Joe Mendez was born on March 31, 1997 … Has three brothers, Mike, Anthony, Nick.