- May 21, 2026
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Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza played almost exclusively in the shotgun in college. In the NFL, playing under center is a major adjustment.
Mendoza said in a Raiders.com interview that Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak's offense is providing a new challenge for him during offseason work, but it's a challenge he's enjoying.
"There's a lot more under center variables that I've been learning, getting a lot of extra reps in, and I feel a lot more comfortable under center," Mendoza said. "It's a great offense. I really believe in coach Kubak's offense."
Mendoza is far from the only quarterback making that adjustment, as many college football offenses keep their quarterbacks in the shotgun for every snap, while NFL teams still expect their quarterbacks to be able to play from under center at least some of the time. Mendoza sounds confident that he'll be fully adjusted to taking snaps under center by the time the season starts.
Mendoza said in a Raiders.com interview that Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak's offense is providing a new challenge for him during offseason work, but it's a challenge he's enjoying.
"There's a lot more under center variables that I've been learning, getting a lot of extra reps in, and I feel a lot more comfortable under center," Mendoza said. "It's a great offense. I really believe in coach Kubak's offense."
Mendoza is far from the only quarterback making that adjustment, as many college football offenses keep their quarterbacks in the shotgun for every snap, while NFL teams still expect their quarterbacks to be able to play from under center at least some of the time. Mendoza sounds confident that he'll be fully adjusted to taking snaps under center by the time the season starts.