Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza knows the Miami area better than most. He grew up just a mile from the Hurricanes’ campus, attended Manny Diaz’s football camps, and played at Columbus High School. Despite all that, Miami never offered him a spot as a quarterback.
Even though Mendoza will suit up against the Hurricanes, he says he’ll never disrespect the 'U'. After all, it’s his hometown, and he still holds pride for Miami—even if the previous staff didn’t see him as part of their future.
Speaking at ACC Media Days last year, Mendoza explained his respect for the Hurricanes:
"I know in the past we had a couple of photoshoots... and someone told me to hold the spear and pretend to break it or put the upside-down U. I will never do any of that stuff. I pay respect to Miami. I know people do the peace sign now for USC, or break the spear, or upside-down U, but that is something that I'll never do just because of the respect."
Mendoza also reflected on his recruitment from Miami:
"My senior year, I had football camp... I went to Miami, and I remember after the camp, I was seeing if there was any interest. They said, 'Hey, we might take you as a walk-on or might consider you as a walk-on.' It lit a fire under me. I was sad, and then I came to a realization: I'm not going to be a Miami football player, but it wasn't God's path for me."
Now at Indiana, Mendoza has forged his own path while staying true to his Miami roots. From the streets of his hometown to leading the Hoosiers on the field, he’s a player who respects where he came from while building his own future.
You’ve got to love the way he talks—so emotional.
Mendoza is Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner, finishing the regular season completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
Even though Mendoza will suit up against the Hurricanes, he says he’ll never disrespect the 'U'. After all, it’s his hometown, and he still holds pride for Miami—even if the previous staff didn’t see him as part of their future.
Speaking at ACC Media Days last year, Mendoza explained his respect for the Hurricanes:
"I know in the past we had a couple of photoshoots... and someone told me to hold the spear and pretend to break it or put the upside-down U. I will never do any of that stuff. I pay respect to Miami. I know people do the peace sign now for USC, or break the spear, or upside-down U, but that is something that I'll never do just because of the respect."
Mendoza also reflected on his recruitment from Miami:
"My senior year, I had football camp... I went to Miami, and I remember after the camp, I was seeing if there was any interest. They said, 'Hey, we might take you as a walk-on or might consider you as a walk-on.' It lit a fire under me. I was sad, and then I came to a realization: I'm not going to be a Miami football player, but it wasn't God's path for me."
Now at Indiana, Mendoza has forged his own path while staying true to his Miami roots. From the streets of his hometown to leading the Hoosiers on the field, he’s a player who respects where he came from while building his own future.
You’ve got to love the way he talks—so emotional.
Mendoza is Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner, finishing the regular season completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
