Jasper Parks

Baby Parks…. January 2024

130 schools said no. He led the losingest program in college football history to a national championship anyway. Fernando Mendoza was a 2-star recruit from Miami. He tried to walk on at his hometown school. They passed. So did FIU. So did FAU. So did everyone else. At 17, he was sitting in his bedroom, crying over a silent recruiting inbox—after driving to 18 camps with his dad and sending highlights to more than 100 programs. Not one FBS offer. His only option? Yale. No scholarship. No NFL path. Everyone told him to be “realistic.” “Know your place.” “Be grateful.” He didn’t listen. Because Mendoza understood something most people miss: The worst outcome isn’t failing. It’s never getting the chance to try. Two weeks before signing day in 2022, his phone rang. Cal needed a body. One offer. Out of 134 schools. He took it. He arrived as the third-string quarterback. Spent a year on the scout team. Lost his first four starts. Got sacked 41 times behind a broken offensive line. Still got up. Every time. Then Cal brought in a transfer instead of building around him. So Mendoza left the only school that had ever said yes. He transferred to Indiana—the losingest program in college football history. People laughed. “Career suicide.” “Graveyard program.” “Nobody wins there.” One coach told him something different: “I’m going to make you the best Fernando Mendoza possible.” That was enough. Mendoza wasn’t just playing for football. His mother has battled multiple sclerosis for 18 years. Before every snap, he thought of her. “My mother is my why.” Indiana went 16–0. Beat six Top-10 teams. Won their first Big Ten title since 1945. Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns. Won the Heisman—first in school history. First Cuban-American to ever do it. Then came the title game. Miami. Near his hometown. Fourth-and-4. Season on the line. Quarterback draw. The kid 134 schools rejected spun through defenders and dove into the end zone. Game over. Indiana—national champions. The losingest program became the best team in America. All because a 17-year-old refused to believe “no” was the end. Rankings don’t decide your ceiling. Gatekeepers don’t write your ending. Being overlooked isn’t a verdict—it’s a starting point. Sometimes all you need is one shot… and the courage to bet on yourself when nobody else will. Don’t quit. Credit: Barclay Mullins

Excited for what’s next! -Film: youtu.be/DEdWiDO0SbU -6’6” 305lbs -2 years of eligibility remaining -Agent: Johnny Townsend +1 (407) 443-2121

HYPED. REPOST FOR GOOD LUCK 🏈

Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at age 76. 🕊️🖤

Congratulations @sebastian_pares on earning a Camp Invite from the @ChicagoBears ‼️ #WeNotMe | #EIUxNFL | #WinTheDay

If you watch one "call" video... watch this one. What a moment 🤙

Couldn’t be happier for such an amazing person @iam_the1knight. You’ve always been my kids favorite no matter where we were. The @Bengals just hit the jackpot with a program changer. This is one of the best stories out there! Love you and your family. 🙏

And then there were 4…🩵 Bennett Brian Parks, born on 3/26/2025 at 10:46PM, we are beyond blessed to add you to our family. We love you so much!

Stadium of the Night 🌚 🏟️ Bob Young Field ✔️ Capacity: 5,000 📍 Sioux Falls, South Dakota Home of @USFCougarsFB and other sports

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

@JLBarnes4 🫵🫵🫵🫵

Extremely blessed to serve the WR room on THE HILL !!! Need some portal guys that can GO 👀 #TheSHOW #TopsOnTop 🔴⚫️🔴⚫️

Had to climb to get here, they ain’t give me no ladder! #Committed🔵🟡

Sebastian Pares, OG, Eastern Illinois | 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Zoom Interview nfldraftdiamonds.com/2024/12/sebast… #NFLDraft

Pierce The Veil released Hell Above as a single on this day 12 years ago. twitter.com/scenevid/statu…

Let’s go Let’s go #wareagle

📝

Officially in the portal! Season Film Dm for more