Former Santa Ana star Patrick McMorris earns big conference honor with San Diego State

Patrick McMorris of San Diego State goes for a tackle in Friday’s game. (Photos courtesy Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics).

San Diego State football’s Patrick McMorris, a former standout at Santa Ana High School has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday. It is the first conference accolade for the junior safety.

McMorris helped the Aztecs (11-1) beat Boise State, 27-16, on Friday to clinch the West Division and earn a spot in the Mountain West Championship on Saturday, Dec. 4.

To see additional photos, click on the first picture

Patrick McMorris is a junior safety with San Diego State.

Patrick McMorris (middle) is congratulated by a San Diego State teammate.

Patrick McMorris (left) competes for the Aztecs Saturday.

Patrick McMorris heads out onto the field Saturday.
Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone

McMorris, who plays the signature ‘Aztec’ position in the 3-3-5 defense, had two interceptions and five tackles for SDSU, which held the Broncos to their lowest point total since the 2019 Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State came into the weekend averaging 30.4 points per game.

McMorris became the first San Diego State player with two interceptions in a game since Luq Barcoo had two vs. Fresno State on Nov. 15, 2019.

Both interceptions gave the Aztecs the ball in Boise State territory and SDSU’s best starting field position (41 and 43). The second interception and 19-yard return gave San Diego State the ball on the Bronco 43-yard line, which led to a Jordon Brookshire rushing touchdown and the final score of the game in the 27-16 victory.

On the season, McMorris leads the Aztecs with 79 tackles (48 solo), 13 more than No. 2 on the team and 25 more than No. 3. He also is tied for the team lead with three interceptions and is second with eight pass breakups, while recovering a fumble. 

Ranked 19th in both the AP Top 25 and coaches polls, SDSU plays host to Utah State in the Mountain West Championship game at noon Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. San Diego State has tied a program record with 11 victories. 

McMorris, who played for Coach Charlie TeGantvoort at Santa Ana, was one of the top rushers in Orange County in 2018, rushing for 1,801 yards and 23 touchdowns while leading the Saints to the CIF Division 8 semifinals. He talked about his switch to safety in an interview with Fernando M. Donado of OC Sports Zone in October 2019.

—Courtesy San Diego State Aztecs media relations