Silver And Black Pride
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza has made headlines this season as a quarterback, logging three straight games of a 86+ PFF Grade while also tossing 16 touchdowns and just one interception. The 20 year old also flashes at Cal in his first two seasons where he tossed 4700 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions (10 came as a true freshman). Mendoza stands at an imposing 6’5/225, and has quality athletic traits as well with a projected 8 RAS score.
For starters, Mendoza posses a phenomenal NFL statue at 6’5, with a good build as well allowing him to fight through contact and stay tough in the pocket. Mendoza has consistently excelled at ball placement through his time in college, with a career 67% completion rate including a 72% in 2025. Mendoza shows the ability to layer his passes and consistently make NFL throws into sideline pockets and tight windows. The junior quarterback throws with good anticipation and is able to work to his receivers strengths on in and out breaking route concepts. He possess a good fluid release that is quick to the point allowing him to utilize his body and hips to generate zip onto the ball especially in the tight windows as mentioned above. Indiana’s offense utilizes a high frequency of RPO’s which Mendoza excels at due to his arm speed and release. Mendoza is tough in the pocket, working through contact and showing NFL caliber traits with the ability to step up and to the side in order to avoid contact and get the pass attempt out. Mendoza is playing behind a good offensive line at Indiana, unlike Cal where he was sacked 55 times in two seasons (including 40 in 2024). He’s shown the ability to play under pressure, consistently creating good throws and working the sideline. This season, Mendoza has logged 230 yards, 3 touchdowns, an interception, 7.4% big time throw rate, and 4% turnover worthy play rate when pressured. Additionally, when blitzed the junior has 617 yards and 8 touchdowns along with that previously mentioned interception. Mendoza has good footwork, which allows for him to consistently make good throws in short and long windows with extreme consistency. The quarterbacks frame and body work in one motion giving him the consistent mechanics to adapt to the NFL quickly. In terms of mental traits, Mendoza reads defenses well, shows the ability to look off linebackers and safeties while also using that previously mentioned anticipation and coverage identification in order to complete high caliber NFL quality throws. He’s mobile enough to scramble if needed, but shows the ability to work in the pocket and keep his eyes downfield in order to make a play, though Mendoza is fully understanding of his check down and designed throw away if needed. Mendoza shows the ability to undergo full reads but will need to improve his ability to ID defensive back leverages, and therefore consistently compete inside/outside leverage throws. Mendoza is able to drive his body to create throws...
