Wendell played high school football for the St. George High School Dragons as a quarterback.[2]
College career
Wendell joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 1944 as a fullback and linebacker. He did not play for Notre Dame in 1945 due to being in the United States Navy. However, he did play football for the Great Lakes Navy Bluejackets. Wendell returned to Notre Dame in 1946 was moved from fullback on offense to center while still playing linebacker on defense. In 1947, he was moved to guard on offense while still playing linebacker.[2] He started at guard and linebacker his senior year in 1948 and earned All-American honors.[2][3] After the 1948 season, head coach Frank Leahy called him the best linebacker he had ever coached. Wendell lettered all four years he played for the Fighting Irish and was later billed as the first Notre Dame player to win three letters at three different positions (FB/C/G).[2] He majored in business administration at Notre Dame.[3]