Name: Lirion Murtezi
Year: Sophomore
Position: Offensive Guard
Height: 6-3
Weight: 295
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: North Hills High School
Major: Political Science
What do you want to do after graduation and why? I want to go into the Marine Corps as a ground officer because a lot of things I learned in football applies to the Marine Corps.
Why did you choose Navy? I chose Navy because of the atmosphere. When I came on my recruiting visit, it felt just like home. Everyone was so welcoming and it felt like a real family. Also I get the chance to have a good education while playing big time FBS football.
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? I would tell them that coming here, you will be doing a lot more than playing football. Make sure your mind is made up that the ultimate goal from here is to make quality officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why? I would play QB, because I always thought it was cool and it would be a lot of fun to play QB in the triple option.
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule who would you choose and why? I would choose the University of Pittsburgh because it's the home city and I have a lot of friends that I would like to beat on that team.
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why? Leadership is my favorite class because you learn a lot about yourself without even knowing it. Also, you learn a lot of techniques that will help better yourself in the future.
Hardest class at the Naval Academy and why? Cyber is my hardest class because there is a lot of information that you need to remember. When it comes to programming, you need to remember the signs and addresses that you need to type in.
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy and why? CDR Meehan, she was by far the best teacher I have ever had in my life. She always made class fun and made you want to be in the class because the atmosphere was great.
Favorite form of social media and why? Twitter because you can get all the news at one time on there. Whether it's political or sports news, or even entertainment, it's all accessible there.
Favorite person to follow on social media and why? Dwayne The Rock Johnson 'because he is a great person and one of my favorite actors.
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why? Basketball because I have a lot of friends on the team and I wish for their success the same as I do my own.
If you didn't play football at Navy, what sport would you play and why? I would wrestle because it is a lot of fun
If you had to be quarantined with four people associated with Navy Football, who would you choose and why? Ahmad Bradley, Sam Glover,Tai Lavatai,and Will Harbour because I have had a lot of great memories with them.
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field? Unikkatil- I Smut (it's Albanian)
What is your dream vacation? Back home in Kosovo and Albania where I am from because the vibe is great.
How many teams should make the FBS Playoffs? 8
What is the best thing about being in the American Athletic Conference? That every team in the AAC is a competitor. There are no sleeper teams. Each team is strong in their own way and can compete in any conference.
Favorite Coach Niumatalolo quote: We are not the biggest, we don't have the best players, but our work ethic and elite effort will give us a chance.
One word to describe a Navy Football player: Tough
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2021 and why? Tai Lavatai, because he worked hard and I think it will show this year.
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2021 and why? Donald Berniard, because he has a few games under his belt which will help him this year
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team and why? Diego Fagot, because he has always battled through injuries. Even in the game when he can barely walk, he still finds a way to play.
What player epitomizes Navy Football and why? Chance Warren, because he is not the biggest guy out there, or strongest, but I can see he works the hardest. Even when he messes up, he messes up full speed. He is always leading the team from the front. I have never seen him in the back. He is always accountable for his actions and others.
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2021 and why? Chance Warren, because he will continuously perform at a high level and make big time plays.
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2021 and why? Diego Fagot, because he will continue to lead the defense verbally and physically.
What was the biggest lesson you learned during COVID-19? Be patient and trust the process. When you try and rush through things, you only delay the success.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021 now that things are back to "normal"? I am looking forward to a normal year. Seeing a packed stadium and everyone there.
