There were some things to like for Catholic Memorial in 2023.
The Knights scored a big, conference win over Xaverian on the last play of the game in one of the more exciting contests of the season.
But then, there were also some lowlights. In the second game of the season at Cardinal Newman of Florida, several Knights suffered serious injuries.
In the postseason, CM lost to Marshfield, and fell short of what would have been a third straight trip to Gillette Stadium.
So there was a little bit of a bad taste left in the mouth of coach John DiBiaso.
Now, as the Knights look forward to 2024, the hope is that the injuries hold off as much as they can, and the experience gained by last year’s young players can bear fruit.
“You look at it on paper, we do have a lot back,” DiBiaso said. “By the end of the year, there were a lot of kids on that defense that gained a wealth of experience because of all the injuries.”
There are certain aspects of the team that make DiBiaso ever the optimist heading into this season.
“Our running back group is excellent. How many people have three tailbacks like that?” DiBiaso said. “I’m not bragging, it’s just, and we have three linebackers back that are all good.”
One big loss is the Knights have no returning starter at quarterback.
“I’m optimistic, if we can stay healthy,” DiBiaso said. “If we stay healthy, and the biggest question mark is under the center.”
Let’s take a look at some of those top players coming back to Baker Street.
Coming back for his senior year is RB Mekhi Dodd, a 6-foot, 210-pound speedster who was one of the ones injured against Cardinal Newman. Dodd recently committed to Boston College.
“(Dodd’s recovery is going) fantastic,” DiBiaso said. “I think he felt very comfortable there. That’s a great opportunity for him. Coach (Bill) O’Brien loved him. I’m very happy for (Dodd) and his mum, his whole family, mom and dad.”
Dodd showed what he can do in a brilliant game against Mansfield.
“The next day, he had three offers,” DiBiaso said. “I think, hopefully they’re going to see a lot more of that this year. We’re going to keep him healthy, and we’re looking for a big year. He’s also put on, like, 15 pounds of muscle.”
Another BC commit is 2026 OT Marc Antunes, who is huge (6-7.5, 290).
“He’s got a high ceiling,” DiBiaso said. “He’s just catching up with his body. Tall guys, big guys, tend to mature later. He’s just starting to catch up with his body.”
Linebacker David Timson (5-11, 230) broke his leg against St. Francis (NY) and is another player DiBiaso is going to be happy to have back.
“He’s a tackling machine,” DiBiaso said. “Strongest guy on the team in the weight room. Just a hard worker.”
Timson is getting a lot of Patriot League and CAA looks.
Two TE who are back are Michael Hegarty (6-5, 235) and JD Rayner (6-5, 265). Rayner also plays DE, and some schools are recruiting him as an offensive lineman.
Hegarty is committed to Penn.
“He’s a good receiver. He’s a good blocker. He’s athletic,” DiBiaso said. “Played on the basketball team. Very smart. Second in the class, so he had multiple Ivy League offers.”
Rayner has offers from Holy Cross and Fordham, and is “long, athletic, and a real good blocker. Physical,” according to DiBiaso.
The offensive line also returns G Charlie Mahoney (6-2, 290) and C Jack Holland (5-11, 260).
Two receivers come back in Isaiah Faublas (6-0.5, 190) and Caleb Garrity (5-11, 185).
Supporting Dodd at RB are Lasean Sharp and Chris Sanchez (6-0, 200), who doubles as a safety.
Some defensive players to keep an eye on are FS Jack Daley, NG Prince Njontu (6-0, 265), MLB Carson Eutsay (6-1, 240), LB Derrick Austin (5-11, 230), SS DJ Overall (6-2, 210), and CB Jaiden Johnson.