Rivals100 lineman adds major offer

Jake Moretti was already on the radar of some high-profile college programs, but even he was caught off guard when Michigan reached out earlier this week to extend a scholarship offer.

It wasn't the first offer for the Rivals100 offensive tackle from Arvada (Colo.) Pomona, but it carried major significance as he distinguishes himself as one of the region's top prospects in the 2017 class.

"It was amazing to get the offer from Michigan. That's the best way to put it," Moretti said. "It's such a great institution from an education standpoint and the football history there is crazy. I talked to coach (Tim) Drevno for about 15 minutes and he offered me a scholarship. I was in shock. It's an honor, but I can't let my head get big. There is still a long way until I make a decision and I've got to stay motivated as I work with my high school team."

The Wolverines weren't the only bright spot for Moretti this week. San Diego State followed with an offer, too, and the 6-foot-5, 265-pound lineman has a connection with the Southern California city that had him excited.

"My grandfather went to San Diego State and my father grew up in San Diego for a bit," Moretti said. "They're a solid team and they consistently run the ball so that's a good thing for me."

Moretti didn't know if any other schools were close to joining his offer sheet, but he mentioned Oregon as a school that has been showing increased interest in recent weeks.

"I've been talking to coach Matt Lubick, the wide receivers coach," Moretti said. "They want me to get to one of their camps and if I can get out there, we'll go from there. For me, the whole camp circuit is still up in the air. It's just a matter of whether I can make it to schools based on my practice schedule this spring."

Florida and Oklahoma are two others that have been in contact with the four-star prospect. The Gators, of course, feature some former Colorado State staff members whom Moretti is very familiar with, including head coach Jim McElwain and director of player personnel Kevin Barbay.

"I've known them since they were at CSU and I know coach McElwain has a strong vision for what he wants to accomplish there," Moretti said. "He's shown he follows through on those goals."

Moretti noted he had also been in communication with UCLA, but it's been slow since the firing of assistant Mike Tuiasosopo, a former coach at Colorado.

"UCLA is another prestigious school with academics and it's always in the mix of being a top 10 school football wise, so that's intriguing for sure," Moretti said.

Moretti said he would take a visit to Colorado this weekend for its spring game.