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The Cal Bears continue to trek through their first football season as ACC members. Next up on the slate are the Miami Hurricanes.
That matchup will be personal for Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza. “The U” was once his favorite team!
Mendoza hails from the state of Florida, and he says he grew up a Hurricanes fan. As a high schooler, he remembers taking trips to local camps at FSU and Miami while continuing to pursue a future as a D1 signal caller.
He’d achieve that dream, but he’d have to leave his hometown to do so.
Mendoza wound up on the other side of the country after being spurned by his dream school, who said they’d look at him as a walk-on prospect.
The passer spoke on that recruitment after learning that the Bears would host the Hurricanes in the 2024 season. While he says the denial fueled his path to California, he refuses to disrespect his opponent in the upcoming contest.
Cal QB Fernando Mendoza, a Columbus HS alum like Mario Cristobal, grew up as a Miami fan.
Former UM HC Manny Diaz considered taking Mendoza as a walk-on, and he looked up to Brad Kaaya.
Mendoza holds deep respect for Miami and refuses to throw an upside-down 🙌.
h/t:… pic.twitter.com/em4UlO9m1g
— Geo Milian (@GeoMilian) October 1, 2024
Fernando Mendoza has no plans to throw the upside-down U, saying he still holds a deep respect for Miami.
It’s worth noting that his recruitment came prior to Mario Cristobal’s arrival in Coral Gables, though it doesn’t sound like he’d hold a grudge either way.
His focus is on the football field!
That said, the quarterback isn’t putting any added pressure on himself to show the Hurricanes what they missed out on. He plans to play within himself while not trying to do too much. He believes it gives his team the best chance to succeed.
Cal is 3-1 this season with a win over Auburn and a near-upset of Florida State. Miami presents the Bears’ biggest opportunity yet, and College Gameday will be on hand to spotlight program for the first time.
Mendoza’s now had two weeks to focus on attacking the Miami defense with the Bears being on a bye last Saturday. We’ll see if he can pull off an epic upset in Berkeley against his (former) favorite team!