63 Comments
Feb 1, 2022Liked by Avinash Kunnath

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

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The commitment of Michael Luckhurst is exciting. We need good kickers with a pedigree!!

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There was something in the air that night

The stars were bright, Fernando

They were shining there for you and me

For liberty, Fernando....

Welcome to Cal!

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Seems like a good match for our program, especially since he's very academic-minded. And he knows we REALLY want that Rose Bowl. Can see why Musgrave would be intrigued. QB depth chart is wide open!

Welcome to Cal!

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“Win many Rose Bowls” Sounds like a perfect Cal guy. Great 11th hour pick up.

Excited to have talented legacy kicker Michael Luckhurst. Does all three things you need in the kicking game: made 50 yarders, almost all kick offs were touchbacks, and booming punts.

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Saffell is a GA at Cal. I thought he would go into broadcasting not coaching. haha

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Mendoza's mechanics aren't bad but what stands out, at least to me, is his quick release. Perhaps he was "missed" because he was in a run-oriented offense, or perhaps he was properly scouted ~ TBD. He's good on medium range throws and appears to have enough arm talent to get the ball downfield. Interesting project for Musgrave to have. Musgrave offers this kid and recently offered a class of '23 QB that is 6' tall out of Texas IIRC. Two diametrically opposite QBs, it would seem.

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Seems like a reach and the staff is grabbing a QB just to have a QB in this cycle.

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Kind of lightly recruited but he mentions his IQ. I hope his membership in Mensa will help him avoid the pass rush. Seriously though, welcome Fernando!

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Sounds like a good recruit. Maybe he can talk to some of the guys on that strong O line he refers to and bring them along.

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I love a kid who speaks with such platitudes. His tape is good. He'll never be an effective runner as he's just not elusive or quick twitch, especially with the better athletes he'll see on a weekly basis. His mechanics need work - too much wind-up & a tad late on decision making. But he has arm strength & toughness and a work ethic, judging from reports that he stayed around coaches at Elite 11 during hydration breaks for more instruction. I saw someone compare him to Brock Mansion - he's not the statue in the pocket that Brock was & can throw a bit on the run. Definitely a developmental project, but someone who'll embrace the academic challenges of Berkeley & hopefully get a bit more meat on his bones. Welcome, Fernando... you look MAHHVELOUS! :-)

https://youtu.be/DJ35udUmxys

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I trust Musgrave to evaluate QB talent. Good choice Fernando. Choosing Cal was the best choice I ever made, and many here feel the same way. I feel better about our QB room now. Will he be here for Spring Ball?

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Good on this young man for having the smarts to get into Yale. But I am wondering what Wilcox and Musgrave saw in him that pretty much everyone else missed. Has Cal ever had a successful starting quarterback who had such a low level of recruiting interest? Wait a minute.....Aaron Rodgers.

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