2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 16 Days (Alberto Mendoza)

Written By Evan Alvarez

Welcome back to the 2024 Hoosier Huddle Countdown! From now until Indiana’s opening day against the FIU Golden Panthers, the Hoosier Huddle staff will feature every player on the Hoosiers football roster for 2024. Today, the featured player as we are 16 days out is #16, Alberto Mendoza.

Height: 6’ 2”

Weight: 203 pounds

Hometown: Miami, Florida

High School: Christopher Columbus High School

Class/Position: Freshman / Quarterback

As Pitbull would say, “DALE”, because Mr. 305 is coming to Bloomington. Well, in a way Pitbull is coming to Bloomington on August 31 as a sponsor of the FIU Golden Panthers, but the real Mr. 305 is none other than true freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza. Coming from Miami, Mendoza was originally committed to James Madison University under Coaches Cignetti, Sunseri, and Shanahan.

When that coaching regime came to Indiana, Mendoza followed suit. It speaks volumes about Mendoza’s character, skill, and potential that he remained with Cignetti after the head coaching switch. One, it speaks volumes that Coach Cignetti wanted to keep him, and two, it speaks volumes that Mendoza was okay with switching schools. Reading between the lines, it seems as though there is an immense level of trust between Mendoza and Coach Cignetti/Sunseri/Shanahan, which is a must-have for any player but especially at the quarterback position.

Mendoza arrives for his first season in Bloomington with a stellar resume. Rated as a 3-star recruit on the 247 Sports Composite Rating, the Miami native tore up the state of Florida. Per 247sports.com, Mendoza won the “Florida Dairy Farmers 4M Player of the Year” in 2022 and led his high school to a 14-1 record with a state title. Per his maxpreps.com profile, Mendoza finished his high school career (two full seasons starting) with 4,741 passing yards, a 71% completion percentage, 58 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions, a QB rating of 126.1, 743 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns. Again, a stellar resume.

Mendoza enters a crowded quarterback room with an immense level of talent. As a true freshman, he will be looking to learn the playbook, grow as a Big Ten quarterback, and be a sponge - absorbing all the knowledge and mentorship around him on this Indiana squad.

The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff continues with day 15 tomorrow.