Indiana RB Kaelon Black praises his former QB

TL;DR

Indiana RB Kaelon Black praised former QB Fernando Mendoza, expected to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders. Black highlighted Mendoza's talent, humility, and attention to detail as key factors in their team's success.

Key points

Kaelon Black ran for over 1000 yards last season
Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to its first national championship
Mendoza is expected to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders
Black described Mendoza as talented, humble, and detailed
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy

Kaelon BlackFernando MendozaLas Vegas RaidersHeisman Trophy

Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders’ first pick in the draft seems a foregone conclusion. Fernando Mendoza is expected to be a Raider on Thursday Night, when the organization submits the card for their selection.

Mendoza led Indiana to its first-ever national championship, acquiring the Heisman Trophy on the way. The 16-0 record has led many of his teammates to be drafted. One of them is Kaelon Black, who ran for over 1000 yards last season. While appearing on the Insiders, Black praised his former quarterback as he embarks on his journey as the leader of the Silver and Black.

“Man, well, the Raiders are getting the most talented quarterback that’s out there,” Black said during a April 17 appearance on “The Insiders.” “Fernando is very detailed, one of my favorite teammates I’ve ever been around.

“He’s just so humble and so hungry that he always wants better. You can ask anyone on our team, there’s no one more detailed than him. I feel like he was one of the main reasons why we were able to take that next step. Being on the team with Fernando was just a blessing.”

One of the best qualities of Mendoza is his leadership, and his teammates’ enduring nature towards him puts it on display. Mendoza will have a chance to do the same in the Raiders’ locker room, and the easiest way to do so is by winning.

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Q&A

What did Kaelon Black say about Fernando Mendoza?

Kaelon Black praised Fernando Mendoza for being the most talented quarterback, emphasizing his humility, detail-oriented nature, and significant role in their team's success.

Why is Fernando Mendoza expected to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders?

Fernando Mendoza is expected to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders due to his impressive performance leading Indiana to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy.

How did Mendoza's performance impact his teammates' draft prospects?

Mendoza's leadership and success in leading Indiana to a 16-0 record have positively influenced the draft prospects of several of his teammates, including Kaelon Black.