Fernando Mendoza’s Weekend of Reflection
This weekend might serve as a significant moment for Fernando Mendoza.
He is, after all, Indiana’s standout quarterback and a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. There’s talk he might even consider relocating to the area permanently.
Many analysts predict Mendoza to be the top quarterback in next April’s NFL Draft, and the struggling Jets, currently with just three wins, are desperately looking for their future leader.
“I like to think of myself that way,” Mendoza said on Friday at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, echoing something he heard from Sam Darnold. “I’m not the LeBron or Shaquille of the team. I see myself more as a point guard, facilitating plays for all the talent around me.”
The Jets have been searching for their “point guard” for ages. They hold the No. 7 draft pick and could move up the ranks, depending on how the rest of the season unfolds. With extra draft assets gained from past trades involving Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, they certainly have the potential to make a move.
“Football aside, I really enjoy New York City, but for now, my focus is on celebrating this weekend and the upcoming College Football Playoff,” Mendoza mentioned. “We’ve got three games left, so it’s all about the present moment and giving it my all for the Indiana Hoosiers.”
Mendoza was careful not to elaborate on his future or the NFL Draft, reiterating that he would address that chapter when the time is right. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the constant buzz around mock drafts. They’re everywhere, and although he tries to stay grounded, the temptation is real.
It’s been a rapid rise for Mendoza. He was a relatively under-the-radar three-star high school quarterback from Christopher Columbus High in Miami. His only major Division I offer came from California. After a solid sophomore season, he transferred to Indiana. Before this season kicked off, he wasn’t even on the Heisman radar.
Then everything changed. Mendoza had a phenomenal year, and now, he and Indiana are on a high, marking their first national ranking at No. 1.
His Hoosiers clinched their first Big Ten title since 1945 and are poised for Mendoza to potentially be the school’s first Heisman recipient, with only one other finalist, running back Anthony Thompson, back in 1989.
Leading the country, Mendoza has thrown 33 passing touchdowns, achieved a total of 39 points, and completed 71.5% of his passes, racking up 2,980 yards.
“If I could tell my younger self that I would be a Heisman finalist, I think she’d probably laugh and ask, ‘Wait, in the NCAA?’” he joked. “It’s a pleasant surprise. Staying optimistic and working hard pays off, and having good people around you can really help you reach your goals.”
This isn’t Mendoza’s first trip to the city. He reminisced about his visit nine years ago with his brother, fellow Indiana player Alberto, and their grandfather.
“We were here to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and caught ‘Jersey Boys’ the night before. We ended up sleeping in and missed the parade, which is sort of funny because that was our main reason for visiting. But I’ve always adored New York, and it’s an honor to be back in the Big Apple,” he recalled.
Depending on how things go in April, he may finally get a chance to see that parade after all.
