Former Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Players Impress at NFL Combine

SHREVEPORT, La. (March 2, 2026) – The event that officially kicks off NFL Draft season, the NFL Combine, was this past weekend, February 26 through March 1, and four Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl alums were among the hundreds of draft prospects in Indianapolis, Ind. to take the next step in their football journey.

All four former Independence Bowl players who were invited to the Combine played in the 2023 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl between Texas Tech and California. 

The group is headlined by former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy as quarterback of the National Champion Indiana Hoosiers and is the overwhelming favorite to be drafted with the first-overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza did not participate in any drills at the Combine, but he impressed with his size, measuring at 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds. He also interviewed with prospective teams.

The 2023 Defensive Player of the Game, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who won numerous national awards during college football awards season, highlighted his elite short-area quickness at the Combine. He finished with the fastest 3-Cone Drill time among linebackers and tied for the fastest 20-Yard Shuttle in the linebacker group. Rodriguez’s testing numbers are below:

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
• Broad Jump: 10 feet, 1 inch
• 3-Cone Drill: 6.9 seconds
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.19 seconds

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, who was the 2023 Offensive Player of the Game, also participated at the Combine this weekend. He did not participate in the athletic testing drills, but he competed in the throwing session. Morton threw an official 61 MPH velocity at the Combine, which is believed to be the second-highest velocity in NFL Combine history, according to Bobby Stroupe, the founder of Athlete Performance Enhancement Center and Patrick Mahomes’ trainer.

Former Cal tight end Jack Endries also worked out at the Combine this weekend. Endries finished his college football career at Texas after transferring from Cal. He has the prototypical size of an NFL tight end, measuring at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. Below are Endries’ testing numbers from this weekend:

• 40-Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 36 inches
• Broad Jump: 9 feet, 11 inches

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.gov to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game, with the 50th anniversary set for 2026. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, 23-14, in the 49th edition on December 30, 2025. Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through at least the 2027 Bowl Season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is a prominent presence in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.