Full Breakdown
Raiders Rookie QB Mendoza Adjusts to Under-Center
5/3/2026, 9:00:52 PM
First Under-Center Snap: The Core Challenge
During the Raiders’ rookie minicamp, rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza took his first practice snaps from under center, a shift that demands altered footwork, timing and snap security compared with his college shotgun experience. He noted the need to get back, ensure proper depth, and to concentrate on the first two steps after the snap.
Why the Shift Matters: College Shotgun vs. NFL Expectations
College offenses increasingly rely on shotgun formations, giving quarterbacks a broader view of defenses. NFL teams, however, still require quarterbacks to execute a portion of snaps from under center, where timing and hand-off precision are critical. Mendoza’s adjustment mirrors a common challenge for rookie quarterbacks entering the league.
Who’s Involved: Key Personnel
Key figures include rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, head coach Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, and offensive lineman Trey Zuhn, a third-round Texas A&M pick who is snapping to Mendoza while projected to play guard. Free-agent Tyler Linderbaum is the Raiders’ starting center.
Coaching Perspective on the Transition
Coaches Kubiak, Janocko and Sullivan stress that repeated under-center practice will speed Mendoza’s footwork and decision-making, emphasizing quicker footwork and more efficient reads as essential for his development.
Personnel Details and Practice Context
Trey Zuhn entered the NFL as a third-round selection and can play multiple line positions. Tyler Linderbaum, acquired via free agency, holds the starting center role, limiting his availability to snap to Mendoza. The minicamp provided Mendoza his first practice snaps under center.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s the added footwork. Instead of being back there in shotgun, you really have to get back to make sure you get depth,” — Fernando Mendoza, Rookie Quarterback
- “Still be on time, still decipher the defense. And with that, it’s really having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out out of there and powerful with having quick feet.” — Fernando Mendoza, Rookie Quarterback
- “I think it’s going to be that repetition under center, getting those quicker feet, and just you can always be faster faster and more efficient in your reads and decisiveness,” — Fernando Mendoza, Rookie Quarterback
- “We didn’t do very much under center at A&M, either, so it’s been great getting those extra reps,” — Trey Zuhn, Offensive Lineman
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not specify how many under-center repetitions Mendoza completed, nor does it provide snap-time or pass-completion data. Timelines for his integration into regular-season plans are also absent.
Outlook: Next Steps for Mendoza
Mendoza’s focus on under-center repetitions remains a coaching priority as the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season. Specific timelines or additional practice details are not provided in the source.
