A key part of Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza’s development is getting snaps under center after taking the majority of the snaps out of the shotgun in three college seasons.
At rookie minicamp this weekend, Mendoza said head coach Klint Kubiak’s offense was like a “fire hose” and there was a particular emphasis on reps under center.
“Instead of being back there in the shotgun, we have to come back to make sure you serve your offensive linemen the best, still be on time [and] still dictating the defense,” Mendoza said, via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden . “And by emphasizing those first two steps, securing the snap and getting out of there, and [being] powerful with swift feet.”
In his three seasons, two at Cal and one at Indiana, Mendoza took just five snaps from center field. Kubiak’s offense uses reps under center at one of the highest rates in the league. It’s new for Mendoza to get down the steps and learn to keep his head away from the defense for a short while during action. The transition to playing under center is often brushed aside as a formality when looking at a player’s transition to college. But fundamentals will play a big role in how quickly a QB can succeed at the pro level. For some, it takes longer than others to get them down.
Mendoza said he watched film of new teammate Kirk Cousins and the Seahawks’ Sam Darnold to learn their steps and how they manage Kubiak’s offense from under center.
Learning a new offense is often a “fire hose” for newbies. That’s why these spring reps are more important to them than their veteran counterparts, even if most players are learning a new system under a new coach.
The faster Mendoza is able to soak it all in, the sooner he will start under center.
“I’m just trying to take it all in to get better every single day, pay attention to the details and [connect] with the teammates,” Mendoza said. “It’s so great. Rookie camp, all together as offense, defense, special teams [and] as a team together to have consistent core training so that everything can get better in football.”