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
I like him even better after watching his HUDL tape. He has good footwork, throws the ball from a solid base and makes great decisions. Because of his smarts I would assume he is very coachable and it shows with his technique on this film. The kid is definitely a baller. https://www.hudl.com/profile/12914804/Fernando-Mendoza
OK, from what I gather it appears none of the Ivy League kids ever sign an NIL since they don't give scholarships, so by default they are fair game to get poached by default up until they enroll. Even the schools don't fully commit to admitting the kids, but instead have something called a "Likely letter" which is non-binding in the eyes of the NCAA.
I suppose if that's what actually gets you admitted, why not. And you can even quit the team! I think Harvard is actually pretty good about giving need-based financial aid though, or at least they try to make a show of it.
Nah, that was a weird situation you are referring to. He had de-committed then re-committed to CAL in 24 hours and then he signed with TCU. That's a flipping roller coaster ride. Justyn Martyn de-committed way back. I have no problem with how he handled it. I don't even have a problem with McCade Mettauer going to Oklahoma because I understand why he left and it had nothing to do with the team or even CAL. So, please don't confuse my admonition of a kid who took us for a roller coaster ride on social media with how I normally react to a kid who de-commits or leaves us.
Everyone's entitled to their own feelings and opinions obviously, but I dont follow your logic, or why it matters if the one kid pulled a Tim Watley on the de-gift/re-gift move, compared to this one which is so relatively more last minute (regardless of Iyy scholarship situations).
At the end of the day a commitment is a commitment, right? And by making a commitment, you basically take away an offer from someone else or cause them to commit elsewhere. To "de-commit" in the 11th hour isn't a cool move, just because it's technically allowed. It's not the kind of upstanding character of the many of generation of brave young men who fought for our freedoms..
So many bright, flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364.
Me, I dont care either way, let them commit to 100 schools in the last 12 hours. But that's just me.
Boy did this comment take a left turn. In any case, 'commitment' is not the right word. I suggest they change it to 'maybe'. "Mendoza is maybed to Yale". "Damonic Williams is maybed to Cal". Feels more realistic.
It had to do with maturity. A mature kid would not have behaved this way. I admonished his behavior, not just the fact that he de-committed. I for one would prefer mature people on our team just as I would prefer them as co-workers. I'm not of the mind that immature behavior is cool and no big deal. That's why I admonished him.
Are you sure you weren't mostly just mad that he chose TCU? It's ok if you were, haha. It's ok for us 40 year olds to be emotionally invested in the decisions of these teenagers who we dont know. It's part of being a college football fan.
He had no idea when he entered the TP that he would end up at Oklahoma. And he wasn't guaranteed a starting job, although I expect him to have a good shot at it. He's from Texas and he was fed up with the whole Covid management thing in CA and Berkeley to be specific. That was his stated reason for leaving. And, the Big 12 played a 9 game schedule in 2020.
I remember watching some of the Elite 11 camp on ESPN during the Josh Rosen year and realizing that not only did he look un-likeable but he actually was!
Rosen could make any throw. He was 6'5" as a freshman and scouts were saying he was ready for the pros as a skinny under weight freshman. Then we saw what happened when he face pressure. All the brain power, skill and throwing talent disappeared because he could not stand in the pocket and take a hit (like Jared Goff and Chase Garbers - btw, Chase had an excellent senior game appearance). In any event, scouts make mistakes often. Go through the scouting reports of top prospects this year. I don't think there is one report that says a kid won't start at the P5 level or won't be a draft prospect. All these kids have talent and with work and good coaching they might get there, but in the end, even 5 star kids won't make it without commitment, a work ethic and solid coaching. Our former great player DRob is a great example.
Indeed, Mick is his dad. Heaven knows having a top-flight kicker would be a benefit. And his dad was IMHO one of the top 3 in Cal history. And don't forget Mick was a tremendous rugby player too, playing on some of the early national championship teams at Cal.
One thing that hit me though was this - Mick is a month and a half younger than me, and I turn 64 on Sunday! So he had Michael later on in life. Of course, he was pretty busy doing a lot of other things after his time in Berkeley, like a nice NFL career with the Falcons, even commentating on NFL games in his native UK! Look forward to him coming back to campus - as the sports director at KALX I got to know many of the players back then, and Mick was one of the funniest characters in that group. GO BEARS!!!
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!
“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.
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.
Agree. Kid played at a high profile Catholic school that graduated Brian Griese, Mario Cristobol and Alonzo Highsmith. If he had Power 5 level talent, he should have been noticed and recruited more heavily for sure. And no, I didn't watch his tape. I don't even pretend I am good enough to evaluate talent from a highlight reel.
Watch his tape and say that. They did not have to take a QB. They saw something in this kid that the scouts missed (that happens frequently). Watch the Elite 11 tape and the Hudl tape I posted below. I think this kid is a solid add and that he is going to surprise a few people when he gets a chance. I like the way he throws the ball better than Zach Johnson right now.
Transfer portal material in two years back to an Ivy League.
It’s fine, in this day and age with the portal we can afford to take a project/reach at QB in a cycle where we don’t get our 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice at QB because we can go to the portal and get someone like Plummer.
It all seems low risk, high reward for all parties involved. Would be really cool narrative (like A-a-ron's, until he went Joe Rogan) if he becomes a signature Musgrave QB. And if it doesn't work, he's still going to have lots of good degree options.
Think about this: most schools have 4 or more QB's on a roster at any given time and only one starts. You aren't going to get three or four 4 or 5 star QB's on your roster. He'll Jackson Dart left USC because he saw Chase Williams went there. Look at all the transfers on the TP this year and then look at different schools rosters. I would be willing to bet not one school has four 4 star QB's (or even three four star QB's). I would bet if a school has two 4 star or higher QB's then one is an upperclassman and the other is an underclassman waiting his turn. I think we are looking pretty good with our current QB room.
Agree for sure. The only wildcard is the transfer portal. If he doesn't move up the depth chart and transfers, we can find someone else at the same level. If he doesn't leave, it's not like he's blocking some 4-star from coming.
Our biggest danger is losing a starting (or heir apparent) QB to the portal. He seems low risk for doing that and certainly won't be an academic risk. He's a good addition. Maybe will even become a versatile Rubenzer type. Who knows?
Have you watched his tape or are you just pre-judging someone based on your own internal bias mechanisms? I trust our coaches to make good choices on prospects. Like I said, they did not need to offer anyone a scholly, but after looking at this kid's tape and meeting him they made a decision.
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!
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! :-)
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?
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.
when Rodgers came to Cal that wasnt the case, no one had any clue who he was and Tedford found him by accident when he scouted Cross. My point was, this kid is from Miami, one of the most heavily scouted cities/regions in the US and yet had almost zero interest. Run first offense, presumably he didnt go to camps...ok but what was missing. Shrug...hope he does well
What was EVERYONE missing? What’s more likely, everyone was wrong about this kid or Wilcox/staff were right? Wilcox and staff who have, to put it kindly, have struggled to find competent QBs during his entire tenure.
Scouts are often wrong. I don't know the kid's name but there was a 5 star that went to USC last year and never saw the field. It turns out that because he was so physically imposing in high school teams would run away from him and he had the speed to chase guys down from behind. But, he never had to play physical football. He got to USC and they found out he had the Tarzan/Jane complex: looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. It happens more often than you realize. We did pull in a 4 star QB last year named Kai Milner so I don't know what you are saying about us not being able to recruit good QB's. Also, to the point of scouts making mistakes here's a great example: there was a guy in the past that is a model for what Wilcox is building. His name was Don James and he coached at UW. He built a 'program'. His deal was he didn't care about scouting reports, he wanted long guys who had speed were physical/nasty as hell. He figured out he could put the muscle on them during their first three years and then they had a year or two to play. He won a National Championship at UW and coached for 17 years until he was unfairly dismissed. In any event, size, athleticism, smarts, a solid work ethic and great coaching can take an underrated prospect a long way. Steve Emtman was a player on one of those UW teams who was lightly recruited out of high school and ended up being the #1 NFL draft pick. JJ Watt was a 2 star out of high school. I trust our coaches. Just sayin. But we need more OL's.
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
I like him even better after watching his HUDL tape. He has good footwork, throws the ball from a solid base and makes great decisions. Because of his smarts I would assume he is very coachable and it shows with his technique on this film. The kid is definitely a baller. https://www.hudl.com/profile/12914804/Fernando-Mendoza
Am I crazy, or is the first throw on his HUDL tape definitely an illegal forward pass? He's like at least 2 yards past LOS lol. Good arm though.
If it doesn't get called it's not a penalty!!!!!! At least that's what I heard..... : )
But.. considering he just broke his commitment to another school and at such a late stage, would that not reflect the quality of character we seek? ;)
It was a non-binding commitment, Yale didn't have him on scholarship yet.
Aren't all commitments are "non-binding", until they sign a National Letter of Intent? I didnt understand that part of his quote..
https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2014/10/8/recruiting.aspx
The Ivy League doesn't give out athletic scholarships, so they don't fall under that
OK, from what I gather it appears none of the Ivy League kids ever sign an NIL since they don't give scholarships, so by default they are fair game to get poached by default up until they enroll. Even the schools don't fully commit to admitting the kids, but instead have something called a "Likely letter" which is non-binding in the eyes of the NCAA.
^ I don't think Yale offers athletic schollies, but I could be wrong.
None of the Ivy Leagues do
Which means that depending on how wealthy your parents are, they could be paying full freight for you to play football at Harvard!
I suppose if that's what actually gets you admitted, why not. And you can even quit the team! I think Harvard is actually pretty good about giving need-based financial aid though, or at least they try to make a show of it.
It only reflects on the character of kids who do that to Cal. If you’re committed to Cal you’re an OKG, the minute you decommit, you’re a diva.
Nah, that was a weird situation you are referring to. He had de-committed then re-committed to CAL in 24 hours and then he signed with TCU. That's a flipping roller coaster ride. Justyn Martyn de-committed way back. I have no problem with how he handled it. I don't even have a problem with McCade Mettauer going to Oklahoma because I understand why he left and it had nothing to do with the team or even CAL. So, please don't confuse my admonition of a kid who took us for a roller coaster ride on social media with how I normally react to a kid who de-commits or leaves us.
Everyone's entitled to their own feelings and opinions obviously, but I dont follow your logic, or why it matters if the one kid pulled a Tim Watley on the de-gift/re-gift move, compared to this one which is so relatively more last minute (regardless of Iyy scholarship situations).
At the end of the day a commitment is a commitment, right? And by making a commitment, you basically take away an offer from someone else or cause them to commit elsewhere. To "de-commit" in the 11th hour isn't a cool move, just because it's technically allowed. It's not the kind of upstanding character of the many of generation of brave young men who fought for our freedoms..
So many bright, flowering young men at Khe Sanh, at Langdok, at Hill 364.
Me, I dont care either way, let them commit to 100 schools in the last 12 hours. But that's just me.
Boy did this comment take a left turn. In any case, 'commitment' is not the right word. I suggest they change it to 'maybe'. "Mendoza is maybed to Yale". "Damonic Williams is maybed to Cal". Feels more realistic.
It had to do with maturity. A mature kid would not have behaved this way. I admonished his behavior, not just the fact that he de-committed. I for one would prefer mature people on our team just as I would prefer them as co-workers. I'm not of the mind that immature behavior is cool and no big deal. That's why I admonished him.
Are you sure you weren't mostly just mad that he chose TCU? It's ok if you were, haha. It's ok for us 40 year olds to be emotionally invested in the decisions of these teenagers who we dont know. It's part of being a college football fan.
He had no idea when he entered the TP that he would end up at Oklahoma. And he wasn't guaranteed a starting job, although I expect him to have a good shot at it. He's from Texas and he was fed up with the whole Covid management thing in CA and Berkeley to be specific. That was his stated reason for leaving. And, the Big 12 played a 9 game schedule in 2020.
Was it his stated reason? Do you have an actual quote with him saying that? Or a tweet?
It wasn't a scholarship offer.
I remember watching some of the Elite 11 camp on ESPN during the Josh Rosen year and realizing that not only did he look un-likeable but he actually was!
Rosen could make any throw. He was 6'5" as a freshman and scouts were saying he was ready for the pros as a skinny under weight freshman. Then we saw what happened when he face pressure. All the brain power, skill and throwing talent disappeared because he could not stand in the pocket and take a hit (like Jared Goff and Chase Garbers - btw, Chase had an excellent senior game appearance). In any event, scouts make mistakes often. Go through the scouting reports of top prospects this year. I don't think there is one report that says a kid won't start at the P5 level or won't be a draft prospect. All these kids have talent and with work and good coaching they might get there, but in the end, even 5 star kids won't make it without commitment, a work ethic and solid coaching. Our former great player DRob is a great example.
Aw poor DRob. So much cringe, starting with the Cal commit reveal by unveiling a painting that was upside down!
The original DRob commit as seen by a flabbergasted UGA fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCaNV7Nd_PA
That's hilarious. And he's not wrong...
The commitment of Michael Luckhurst is exciting. We need good kickers with a pedigree!!
Must be Mick's kid?
Indeed, Mick is his dad. Heaven knows having a top-flight kicker would be a benefit. And his dad was IMHO one of the top 3 in Cal history. And don't forget Mick was a tremendous rugby player too, playing on some of the early national championship teams at Cal.
One thing that hit me though was this - Mick is a month and a half younger than me, and I turn 64 on Sunday! So he had Michael later on in life. Of course, he was pretty busy doing a lot of other things after his time in Berkeley, like a nice NFL career with the Falcons, even commentating on NFL games in his native UK! Look forward to him coming back to campus - as the sports director at KALX I got to know many of the players back then, and Mick was one of the funniest characters in that group. GO BEARS!!!
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!
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!
If he's very academic minded, wouldn't he choose Yale over Cal?
We're a top academic school that, unlike Yale, is giving him a scholarship.
“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.
Saffell is a GA at Cal. I thought he would go into broadcasting not coaching. haha
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.
Seems like a reach and the staff is grabbing a QB just to have a QB in this cycle.
Agree. Kid played at a high profile Catholic school that graduated Brian Griese, Mario Cristobol and Alonzo Highsmith. If he had Power 5 level talent, he should have been noticed and recruited more heavily for sure. And no, I didn't watch his tape. I don't even pretend I am good enough to evaluate talent from a highlight reel.
Watch his tape and say that. They did not have to take a QB. They saw something in this kid that the scouts missed (that happens frequently). Watch the Elite 11 tape and the Hudl tape I posted below. I think this kid is a solid add and that he is going to surprise a few people when he gets a chance. I like the way he throws the ball better than Zach Johnson right now.
YOU'S WAS RIGHT
Transfer portal material in two years back to an Ivy League.
It’s fine, in this day and age with the portal we can afford to take a project/reach at QB in a cycle where we don’t get our 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice at QB because we can go to the portal and get someone like Plummer.
It all seems low risk, high reward for all parties involved. Would be really cool narrative (like A-a-ron's, until he went Joe Rogan) if he becomes a signature Musgrave QB. And if it doesn't work, he's still going to have lots of good degree options.
Think about this: most schools have 4 or more QB's on a roster at any given time and only one starts. You aren't going to get three or four 4 or 5 star QB's on your roster. He'll Jackson Dart left USC because he saw Chase Williams went there. Look at all the transfers on the TP this year and then look at different schools rosters. I would be willing to bet not one school has four 4 star QB's (or even three four star QB's). I would bet if a school has two 4 star or higher QB's then one is an upperclassman and the other is an underclassman waiting his turn. I think we are looking pretty good with our current QB room.
Agree for sure. The only wildcard is the transfer portal. If he doesn't move up the depth chart and transfers, we can find someone else at the same level. If he doesn't leave, it's not like he's blocking some 4-star from coming.
Our biggest danger is losing a starting (or heir apparent) QB to the portal. He seems low risk for doing that and certainly won't be an academic risk. He's a good addition. Maybe will even become a versatile Rubenzer type. Who knows?
Have you watched his tape or are you just pre-judging someone based on your own internal bias mechanisms? I trust our coaches to make good choices on prospects. Like I said, they did not need to offer anyone a scholly, but after looking at this kid's tape and meeting him they made a decision.
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!
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.
Exactly my thought. It's going to be an, um, adjustment, especially with Mettauer's departure.
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
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?
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.
slight difference in recruiting eyeballs between Chico and Miami
None. Nowadays scouts can find talent anywhere.
when Rodgers came to Cal that wasnt the case, no one had any clue who he was and Tedford found him by accident when he scouted Cross. My point was, this kid is from Miami, one of the most heavily scouted cities/regions in the US and yet had almost zero interest. Run first offense, presumably he didnt go to camps...ok but what was missing. Shrug...hope he does well
Stats. Scouts want stats as proof of ability. He didn't have them.
What was EVERYONE missing? What’s more likely, everyone was wrong about this kid or Wilcox/staff were right? Wilcox and staff who have, to put it kindly, have struggled to find competent QBs during his entire tenure.
Scouts are often wrong. I don't know the kid's name but there was a 5 star that went to USC last year and never saw the field. It turns out that because he was so physically imposing in high school teams would run away from him and he had the speed to chase guys down from behind. But, he never had to play physical football. He got to USC and they found out he had the Tarzan/Jane complex: looks like Tarzan plays like Jane. It happens more often than you realize. We did pull in a 4 star QB last year named Kai Milner so I don't know what you are saying about us not being able to recruit good QB's. Also, to the point of scouts making mistakes here's a great example: there was a guy in the past that is a model for what Wilcox is building. His name was Don James and he coached at UW. He built a 'program'. His deal was he didn't care about scouting reports, he wanted long guys who had speed were physical/nasty as hell. He figured out he could put the muscle on them during their first three years and then they had a year or two to play. He won a National Championship at UW and coached for 17 years until he was unfairly dismissed. In any event, size, athleticism, smarts, a solid work ethic and great coaching can take an underrated prospect a long way. Steve Emtman was a player on one of those UW teams who was lightly recruited out of high school and ended up being the #1 NFL draft pick. JJ Watt was a 2 star out of high school. I trust our coaches. Just sayin. But we need more OL's.
I think he was Rated T for Teens