Former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is taking it slow regarding his NFL draft process.
Speaking to Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd on “The Herd,” Mendoza said he’s excited to finally take the next step toward stardom after becoming a household name in Bloomington this past season.
“Yeah, I always say with the NFL, I believe my footwork needs to get better,” Mendoza said. “Cuz anticipation at times in the NFL, it’s larger than college. College, you know, you always got to throw it right as they break or before they break. But the NFL, you can’t get away with that stuff. And with the footwork and timing, it’s something that I’ve really improved on from Cal to this year.”
A huge inspiration for Mendoza is former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who he may have direct contact with should the Las Vegas Raiders draft him in April.
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“As a child, I was always a huge Tom Brady fan. I read the “TB12″ book,” Mendoza said. “I was always big on the preparation because, like Tom, I’m not the biggest, I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest. But the edge is in the intellect and preparation. So I really appreciate him preaching that message from a young age. And what’s really important about being quarterback is being cerebral—knowing where to go with the ball, knowing your checks, and all those different external factors that you don’t think about when you just think about arm talent and footwork.”
There is still ample time before the draft, but Mendoza said he is excited for what’s to come.
“I’m not picking a team for a Super Bowl. I don’t want to get in any trouble,” Mendoza said. “You know, I just hope it’s a good game. And you know, it’s kind of funny because now I’m in the real world and actually going to play in the NFL. So from being an NFL fan, I’ve got rid of that aspect of my life now because I realized I’m going to be playing for an NFL franchise and organization and I need to give them my all..”
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The Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC) capping the end of an unpredictable NFL season.
