As a quarterback from 2007 to 2010, Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko’s time at Pitt overlapped with IU offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan, who was a tight end for the Panthers from 2008 to 2012.
Shanahan no doubt caught plenty of balls on the practice field from Janocko at Pitt, who also shared a college quarterback room with IU QB coach Tino Sunseri.
But this spring it was Shanahan who delivered to Janocko — in the form of NFL-ready quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
And already in May workouts, Janocko is learning what makes Mendoza so special.
Yes Mendoza has elite arm talent, but it’s his competitive streak, preparation and intellect that truly set him apart.
The Heisman Trophy winner and 16-0 national champion already has the Las Vegas staff carefully considering the nuances of the offense.
“He’s somebody that wants to know the whys of everything, the story behind everything,” Janocko said of Mendoza on an interview produced by the Raiders. “What we’re calling, but why are we calling it?
“He’s really just a sponge that wants to know everything. So it’s a lot of fun working with a quarterback like that because he’s coming in as a blank slate in this offense – never been in this offense before – and just asking a ton of questions.”
The recommendations from the IU staff to the Raiders could not have been stronger.
Head coach Curt Cignetti has said if there were 25 hours in a day, Mendoza would spend all 25 hours preparing. He called Mendoza the most special guy he’s been around — in a more than 40-year coaching career.
And so it should come as a surprise to no one, Mendoza is keeping the Raiders’ staff on their toes, asking questions that would be expected of a veteran.
He was drafted less than a month ago, but already the former IU star is standing out in an organization that has 14-year veteran Kirk Cousins in the quarterback room, and NFL legend Tom Brady in the ownership group.
Mendoza even has the Raiders examining the why behind what they do to consider if there might be a better way.
“He’s asking questions that you might not have thought about in a couple of years,” Janocko said.
“It also makes you evaluate everything. ‘I know we’ve had some success doing it one way, but we could do it another way and be even better.'”
For complete coverage of IU football, GO HERE.
The Daily Hoosier –“Where Indiana fans assemble when they’re not at Assembly”
- You can follow us on X: @daily_hoosier and find us on Facebook and Instagram
- Seven ways to support completely free IU coverage at no cost to you.
