Interview: 2020 California LB Mark Moreno Tracking 100 Tackles Again
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Beyond watching tape, there is more than one way to tell if a linebacker is getting after it on the field – look at his stats. In this day and age where Spread offenses take middle linebackers out of the game, fewer and fewer Mikes are getting to the 100-tackle plateau; not Mark Moreno. The 6-0, 225-pound, defender for Santiago (Corona) was a wall at the line of scrimmage a year ago putting an end to 108 plays, 59 solo, with nine tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a loose ball picked up. The Sharks are six games into the 2019 season and Moreno is once again imposing his will coming up with 43 stops, 25 solo, with a tackle for a loss, a sack, and three passes defended.
In an RNG first interview with Moreno, we sat down going in-depth on his play against Big VIII competition.
Interview
Mark, you are a tackling machine for the Sharks patrolling the middle. How do you prepare for each game to stay on top of the opposition?
“Our coaches prepare us. We practice tackling and pursuit every day. We spend a lot of time on that in game situations during practice. Staying in shape and in the weight room that transfers onto the field. I watch a lot of film. I watch Hudl every night after homework to make the game easier for me.”
Which areas of your game did you focus on over the offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“Over the offseason I worked on maintaining strength and size, and I focused on my speed. I had decent speed last season, but I have gained a lot of speed both side-to-side and vertically. I did a lot of drill work. During 7v7, I would go with the defensive linemen to work on my pass rush to help with blitzes. I used that time for a hands on reads of running backs working on my vision and covering.”
After six games, where are you showing the most improvement in your skills as a Mike?
“The most improved are I feel is my vision and footwork. I trust my reads and my feet take me there, and I make a big play.”
Is there an area of your skillset that might get overlooked?
“I feel like on every play on I am always around the ball. My leadership skills, I am always on the guys. Even if we are down, I am pumping them up for the next play yelling at them “let’s go. Let’s get this going.””
What are some of the strengths to your game that sets you apart from other linebackers?
“My brain is a strength. I understand the game. Spending the last three years on varsity, that experience has helped me. I know the game. I know where the running backs are going when the guard pulls; that is where the play is going and I get there before they do.”
Of the games played this season, which one was your best and why do you consider that to be tops?
“This season, my best was against Chaparral. I made big plays and helped my teammates get into position to make plays as well.”
Which schools have caught on to your play in the box?
“UNLV, Pacific, and Concordia in Wisconsin are showing interest.”
Have you visited any programs?
“Yes, sir. I went to UNLV. I went to their spring game; that was cool.”
Tell me about the UNLV spring game experience.
“It was really cool. I met some of the players after the game. I saw the culture at UNLV, and it was great. I’d love to be a part of it one day.”
Before the season ends, what goals do you want to accomplish on the field?
“I have made a lot of tackles this season; I want to make more plays in the pass game. I want to step it up and do both equally well.”
The Sharks take on a very talented Norco (5-1) squad on Friday, what kind of game are you looking at going against the Cougars offense?
“We know they have a great quarterback (4-star Shane Illingworth – Oklahoma State). He has an amazing arm and they have amazing receivers. We have to shut that down and make them run. We can shut the run down. We do that the best.”
Mark, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the team luck against Norco.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Santiago HS/Moreno family; Mark Moreno