CHICAGO.- The American quarterback of Cuban origin Fernando Mendozawinner of the university football championship with the Indiana Hoosierswill officially make his jump to the NFL when the Las Vegas Raiders They will most likely select him with the absolute number one in the draft held in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania).
For months there has been no doubt that Mendoza, a sporting and economic phenomenon in USAwill be the first of the 257 players who will earn a place in NFL franchises with a view to the new season through the draft.
As usual, the event will be held for three days, from Thursday to Saturday, and this year it will take place on the outskirts of the Acrisure Stadiumin Pittsburgh.
After the Raiders, owners of the first pick, it will be up to the New York Jets choose with the number two and the Arizona Cardinalswith three.
Born in Boston and raised in MiamiFernando Mendoza had a stellar season in which he became the first Cuban-American to win the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to the national title.
In his only season at Indiana, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards and led the championship with 41 touchdown passes. All this, with only six interceptions.
In addition to the Heisman, Mendoza won the award Maxwell and the Walter Campthe two awards that recognize the best college football player of the season.
Mendoza is the son of Fernando Mendoza Sr. and Alejandra Mendozamembers of the Cuban diaspora in South Florida, who instilled in him the “Cuban work ethic,” in the player’s words.
However, it was his four grandparents who emigrated directly from Cuba in 1959 and those that serve, according to Mendoza, as a major source of inspiration.
Other Latinos on the radar
Mendoza will not be the only player with Latin roots to make the jump to the NFL this Thursday.
KC Concepcionwide receiver Texas A&Mis of Puerto Rican origin and arrives at the draft after a season in which he received 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns.
Taurean Yorka linebacker of Mexican origin and a teammate of Concepción at Texas A&M, also aims to be chosen in the draft, like Jacob Rodriguezof Mexican roots and a linebacker from Texas Tech.
The tight end of Arkansas, Josh Cuevasof Mexican heritage, the ‘QB’ of Vanderbilt, Diego Paviawith Spanish and Mexican roots, and the offensive lineman from Kansas, Enrique Cruz Jr.of Puerto Rican origin, are part of the list of Latin talents who aim to be protagonists in Pittsburgh.
