Indiana University Athletics
Name: Fernando Mendoza
Position: Quarterback
Recruiting Rank: Unranked
High School: Christopher Columbus HS (FL)
College: Started at California before transferring to Indiana
Captain: N/A (Indiana does not name captains)
Measurables
Height: 6’5
Weight: 225
40 Yard: 4.85
10 Yard: Unknown
Arm Length: Unknown
Hand Size: Unknown
Vertical: Unknown
3 Cone: Unknown
Broad Jump: Unknown
Bench: Unknown
Position Specific
Positives in Pass Game:
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NFL-caliber arm strength, capable of making every throw on the route tree.
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Excellent accuracy and ball placement, particularly on timing routes and back-shoulder throws.
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Stands tall in the pocket and consistently delivers under pressure.
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Quick release allows for clean short-to-intermediate passing without wasted motion.
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Advanced pre-snap recognition and adjustments show strong football IQ.
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Maintains accuracy when throwing on the move.
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Clutch performer, thrives in high-leverage downs and two-minute drills.
Negatives in Pass Game:
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Absorbs too many sacks due to holding the ball too long (9.4% sack rate in 2024).
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Can be overly committed to pocket passing rather than escaping collapsing protection.
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Limited live-game experience against elite defenses.
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Occasional slow trigger when working through progressions.
Positives in Run Game:
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Adequate athleticism and mobility to extend plays outside the pocket.
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Willing runner with functional athleticism when scrambling is necessary.
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Keeps eyes downfield while moving, prioritizing throwing opportunities over running.
Negatives in Run Game:
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Not a true dual-threat quarterback—rushing ability is secondary to passing.
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Doesn’t consistently escape pressure when protection breaks down.
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Needs to improve awareness of when to get rid of the ball rather than absorbing contact.
The Wrap-up
Summary: Mendoza plays with poise and confidence from the pocket, showing the size and arm strength you want at the position. He’s accurate to all levels and does his best work on timing and back-shoulder throws. He’s tough, willing to take hits to deliver the ball, and has the mental makeup coaches will like. The flip side is he takes too many sacks and isn’t a natural escape artist when things break down. He’ll need to get stronger and speed up his internal clock, but the tools and competitiveness are there for him to develop into a starter with the right coaching.
Injury Concerns: Took a heavy beating at Cal due to poor protection, missing time in multiple games. Durability against NFL-level pass rushers is a question until he adds bulk.
Character/Off-Field Concerns: None noted.
Projected Role: Developmental starter with the potential to compete for a starting role by Year 2.
Strong Points:
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Arm talent and velocity
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Accuracy and ball placement
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Poise under pressure
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Leadership and character
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Clutch situational play
Weak Points:
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Sack tendency/holding the ball too long
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Needs added bulk and functional strength
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Limited rushing upside
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Inexperience against top-tier defenses
Exposures:
- @ Auburn (2024)
- Miami (2024)
- Stanford (2024)
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
