Grant junior running back Pryde Mendoza often likes the defensive alignments he sees.
He’s adept at catching passes out of the backfield.
“I do like receiving the ball,” he said. “I feel when I’m out there, there is a lot of one-on-one coverage, and that’s a good place for me.”
Mendoza has been productive for the Bulldogs (2-3) in his first varsity season. He rushed for 64 yards on 11 carries and caught four passes for 73 yards in Grant’s 24-20 win against Taft on Sept. 2. On Friday, in a 38-7 win against Round Lake, he rushed for 84 yards and his first varsity touchdown on six carries, and he had a 12-yard catch.
Junior quarterback Rylan Art said he often marvels at what Mendoza can do when he gets the ball.
“He’s just super versatile,” Art said. “You can hand off the ball and know he’ll get how many yards you need, and if you get him out in space, he’s fun to watch. He’s a special player and a big part of the offense.”
Mendoza also plays free safety.
“During practice, I don’t throw to his side because he’s picked me off a couple of times,” Art said.
Mendoza doesn’t have a lot of experience in the sport, either. Although many players get their start in youth leagues, Mendoza didn’t play until he was a freshman, when he balanced his time with basketball, his first love. Since then, he has added lacrosse, and he brings skills from both sports to football.
“Lacrosse helps me get faster,” he said. “That’s a big thing. It’s good to be out in the field so I can get into open space. Basketball helps me with defense, helping me stay in front of my defender.”
At the moment, football is his favorite sport.
“During the summer, I’m like, ‘I can’t wait for football season,'” he said.
Grant coach Tim Norwood, who is in his first season, said Mendoza is making his transition easier.
“He’s got a motor,” Norwood said. “He’s reliable and does his job.”
Mendoza said it’s clear Norwood is making strides in turning around the program. The Bulldogs went 2-7 last season.
“I think he’s doing a great job in his first year,” Mendoza said. “The energy and commitment out of even the JV kids will bring success to the program.”
Art is Grant’s leader on offense, but Mendoza is beginning to develop his own brand of leadership. He said he has always tried to lead by example but also is “a very vocal guy” and works to talk to his teammates as much as he can — not yell, just talk.
“He’s not rah-rah,” Norwood said. “But he’s definitely vocal and keeping people in line and keeping people doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
Mendoza has given some thought to playing at the next level.
“I’m definitely interested in playing one of my three sports in college,” he said. “It’s a dream of mine, and I would love to make that happen.”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
