San Diego State linebacker Kyle Moretti could serve as SDSU’s tour guide this weekend when the Aztecs play at Central Michigan.
After the team lands in Lansing, Moretti could point out the landmarks on the one-hour bus ride to Mount Pleasant. Maybe he can mention on the way to Central Michigan’s Kelly/Shorts Stadium that Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Enberg is among the school’s most prominent alums.
Moretti, a graduate transfer from Arvada, Colo., played three years at Central Michigan before transferring this year to SDSU.
“It’s been cool thinking about all the memories and fun times there,” Moretti said after a midweek practice. “I loved Mountain Pleasant and my time there. It was just time for something new, but it’s going to be exciting going back to Kelly/Shorts and facing my old teammates and coaches.”
Central Michigan (2-2) has an offense averaging 32 points a game. The Chippewas are powered by a strong run game and an efficient pass game.
Might Moretti provide some insight on how to stop CMU?
“He has an insight on who their roster is, who the leaders on the team are and what their mindset is,” said SDSU defensive coordinator Eric Schmidt, who also coaches the linebackers. “But it’s not going to be some secret intel that we get from a former player of theirs. …
“We’ve got to go out there and play well, do a good job of getting off blocks and tackling. That’s what’s going to win or lose us this football game.”
Moretti said he may recognize some formations when he gazes across the line, “but I’m sure they’ll switch it up a bit.”
“There’s familiarity there,” he said. “Their tendencies, their bread and butter. They’ve got good players, great scheme. … I just watch film, look at the tendencies and go from there.”
SDSU was an attractive option when Moretti entered the transfer portal because he had some familiarity with Sean Lewis and his staff from their time at Mid-American Conference opponent Kent State.
Moretti was a welcome addition for SDSU because of his experience. He was among the Chippewas’ top two tackles the past two years and collected 207 tackles in 34 games across three seasons. It included 16 1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks.
The highlight there was a co-MAC championship in 2021, when Central Michigan capped the season with a Sun Bowl victory over Washington State.
“He brings a ton of leadership and experience, a guy who’s been there, done that,” Schmidt said. “He’s played a ton of college football and he’s still starving for knowledge, has a growth mindset and wants to get better.”
Moretti’s maturity has been important, especially when it comes to accepting a backup role.
He’s playing behind sophomore transfer Tano Letuli, who leads the Aztecs with 19 tackles, and also sharing some snaps at the position with junior returner DJ Herman. Still, Moretti is among the team leaders with 11 tackles.
“He’s a guy you can count on day in and day out,” Schmidt said. “More now than ever, you want guys who can just be consistent.
“Handling coaching and just trying to get better, that’s what I appreciate about him.”
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