Georgia Tech has officially added a quarterback to its roster, signing Alberto Mendoza, a former player at Indiana. This move comes after the Yellow Jackets were linked to several quarterbacks during the transfer portal process. Mendoza, who served as the backup quarterback for the Hoosiers, was part of the team that recently secured its first national championship with a thrilling victory over Miami.
Following the championship win, Mendoza entered the transfer portal and quickly made the decision to join Georgia Tech. On the latest episode of the “Bleav in Georgia Tech” podcast, analysts discussed Mendoza”s potential impact and how he fits into the Yellow Jackets” quarterback lineup.
As a high school recruit, Mendoza was rated as the No. 1,576 player nationally by 247Sports, ranking as the No. 84 quarterback and the No. 204 player in Florida. With his arrival, Georgia Tech is poised to start a new quarterback this fall, and Mendoza is expected to compete for the starting position against Graham Knowles, redshirt freshman Grady Adamson, and true freshman Cole Bergeron. The quarterback room is talented but lacks experience following the exits of Haynes King and Aaron Philo.
The Yellow Jackets have remained active in the transfer portal, and the quarterback who emerges victorious in this competition will have a strong supporting cast, including one of the nation”s best backfields. Najeh Wilkins, an analyst, commented on Mendoza”s fit within the team, stating, “He fits in well with the quarterback room. A guy with confidence that will exude through his teammates, who doesn”t make it about himself.” He emphasized that Mendoza learned from his brother, Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and a projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Mendoza”s determination to prove himself as a starting quarterback presents a clear opportunity at Georgia Tech, which mirrors the structure of the Hoosiers team he previously played for, boasting elite running backs and a variety of offensive weapons. The addition of Mendoza is a strategic move, as he is a dual-threat quarterback who can utilize both his arm and legs effectively. He is known for his ability to scramble and make plays, a style reminiscent of former Georgia Tech standout Haynes King.
Last season, Mendoza rushed for 190 yards and scored a touchdown, showcasing his athleticism with notable runs of 53 yards against Maryland and 58 yards against Purdue. His mobility will be crucial for the Yellow Jackets, especially as defenses focus on stopping their star running backs, Justice Haynes and Malachi Hosley, potentially creating opportunities for Mendoza to exploit defenses and make significant plays.
