It was written from birth that ASU freshman linebacker Carlos Mendoza would play football.
Now he’s being baptized by fire through reps with the first and second teams.
The freshman’s family influence spurred his interest in the sport, while the Dallas Cowboys showed him how to prepare for this moment.
Mendoza grew up with a father who loved football. His father, Ernie, played linebacker for a year in high school but stopped to help support his mother. His brother also played as a linebacker and running back.
“My whole family has played football,” Mendoza said. “That’s the only sport we’ve ever played.”
Mendoza mother would watch him as a child walk around the house carrying a football everywhere he went. He’d start playing when he was 8-years-old. Influenced by his brother, Ernie, Mendoza predominately played running back growing up.
It wasn’t until he transferred to Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, Calif., that the coaching staff saw his potential at linebacker.
“(My father) was really happy because that’s where he’s always wanted me to play,” Mendoza said. “It was more of my brother’s decision for me to play running back. I was happy. I like linebacker.”
Mendoza’s father instilled toughness in his son, which is evident to coach Todd Graham and his coaching staff. Mendoza would do hitting drills against his father growing up and even spar with him.
He brought that toughness with him to Tempe. But the Oxnard, Calif., native said he was inspired to elevate his game when he looked back at his Pop Warner days. The Dallas Cowboys would host their training camp in his hometown; Mendoza recalled when he’d go with his Pop Warner team to watch to Cowboys practice.
“It was a really fun time in my life and a big influence because I got to see how they practiced and see their intensity that goes on during practice,” Mendoza said. “It really inspired me, especially coming here now that I know I need to step it up.”
Mendoza was limited in fall camp due to a shoulder injury. He said it was difficult to deal with the injury knowing he had work to do, but he quickly adapted and found a role as a freshman.
He worked his way up to second team “Will” linebacker behind redshirt senior linebacker Brandon Magee. Linebacker coach Ron West said Mendoza’s progress has been amazing considering he also has to adjust to life as college student.
“He’s really trying hard,” West said. “That’s the biggest thing he brings to the table — a lot of effort and enthusiasm. He’s trying hard to learn everyday and everyday he continues to get better.”
Mendoza’s parents were on hand at Camp Tontozona talking to defensive coordinator Paul Randolph after the scrimmage. They were also at Mendoza’s debut as a Sun Devil — a 63-6 victory over NAU last Saturday.
“They’ve been really happy with everything I’ve been doing up here,” Mendoza said. “They’ve been on me, calling me to see how I’m doing. I’m just always constantly talking to him and letting them know how practice went. “
Mendoza collected three tackles, including one for a loss, but he knows he has plenty to learn. He made a couple mistakes, but he understands that with his youth, there’s room to get better.
“It’s been tough being a freshman, but I feel it’s almost all mental,” Mendoza said. “I just need to know what I got to do. I feel like I could stand up to how tough some of the players are. I’m not afraid. I just think it’s all mental. I just got to believe in myself and know what I have to do on defense.”
West said Mendoza was going “100 miles an hour” during his mistakes last Saturday. The mistakes were mainly mental, while his effort and intensity were never even questioned by West.
“They did a few things a little different and he didn’t exactly adjust to it well, and then he’d make a mistake,” West said. “If he went back to his techniques and what he’s been taught, then he would’ve been fine.”
It’s these types of teaching lessons Mendoza loves about this coaching staff. He likes the way the staff teaches discipline and how West has helped him transition over into the collegiate level.
“I think in our system, those are the kind of guys we want to recruit,” West said. “Very intense football players — smart, can learn. So everyday just continues to get better and better.”
Mendoza will continue to grow under the team this season, but the characteristics gained from his parents is a match made in heaven for this coaching staff.
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
