Cal lands their 2022 QB in Fernando Mendoza
The Bears add to their class on the eve of National Signing Day.
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The California Golden Bears were looking for a quarterback in this class after Justyn Martin flipped to UCLA, and they found their guy in the state of Florida.
Welcome to Cal, Fernando Mendoza!
Mendoza was committed to Yale for most of the cycle, but took a visit to Berkeley this past weekend and reopened his recruitment in time to sign with the Bears. Mendoza also held offers from Penn, Lehigh, and Florida International.
Here is Mendoza’s senior tape from Hudl. He was 15-4 as a starter at Miami Columbus his last two years. In his senior campaign in a run-focused scheme, Mendoza threw 11 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 63% completion rate and 1169 yards.
Here is more on his commitment from 247Sports:
"God has a plan," Mendoza told 247Sports over the phone on Tuesday. "Although I had signed with Yale, it was a non-binding contract because I wasn't on scholarship. So, Coach [Bill] Musgrave reached out and we started talking. We had a couple of meetings over the phone in which I expressed my high IQ. He was impressed. So, we had more meetings. Then Coach Musgrave flew down to Miami and met with me at my house. He then offered me a full scholarship.
"The next weekend I went on a visit. It was amazing. From the time I stepped out of the plane, I knew it was home. The coaching staff was so nice and welcoming. And even though it's on the other side of the country, they made me feel comfortable and at home. I know Cal is a place that I'm going to be able to succeed and win many Rose Bowls and championships."
In terms of what Mendoza likes to focus on game-wise, it’s his ability to improvise out of the pocket.
Q: What is one part of your game that you like to highlight?
Mendoza: I love to highlight my throw on the run and throw out of pressure. I was developed in a Wind T system where all I could do is throw on the run. I can make accurate and high velocity throws on the run. While people think of me as a pocket passer I can deliver strong throws outside the pocket. I can deliver with pressure in my face or behind me. The pressure is rare because of our strong O-line.
Mendoza becomes the second addition to the Cal quarterback depth chart for 2022, as Purdue transfer Jack Plummer also joined the program. Both Mendoza and Plummer would log as two of Cal’s tallest QBs in some time, with Mendoza at 6’4.5” and Plummer at 6’5”.
They join a depth chart primarily featuring Kai Milner and Zach Johnson in what figures to be a wide open quarterback competition these next few seasons in Strawberry Canyon.
I like this kid. I watched his short Elite 11 tape from Orlando. He's tall, moves well (athletic) and throws the ball well on the move. He seems to have touch and while I can't tell if he can throw the long ball, it would appear he has the arm because of the strength he exhibits while throwing on the run. I think this guy is way better than his two stars and the Bears found a diamond in the rough with Fernando. He's obviously smart and definitely is not lacking for confidence but he probably should get a bit of humility. It will be fun to watch him develop. Elite 11 tape on this site: https://www.si.com/college/cal/news/cal-gets-qb-commitment
The commitment of Michael Luckhurst is exciting. We need good kickers with a pedigree!!