From baseball player to standout receiver for O’Dea High School

When it comes to switching paths, senior wide receiver Darien Maragh knows all about it.

As his freshman year rolled around, Maragh thought he was going to be a baseball player. But as it is now, he has switched sports, maybe for the better.

As the starting X receiver, his role in the 2022 O’Dea football team is bigger than he could’ve ever imagined.

Maragh, standing at 6’2 and 165 pounds, has made a significant jump, both physically and mentally, from last year to this year.

Maragh said, “I think the biggest change was that I got more fundamentally sound and overall bigger.”

And it seems to have paid off this season.

In the Irish’s first game of the year, Maragh was dominant and could not be stopped, including a handful of receptions and the game-ending touchdown catch. His impact was broader than just catching passes, he also made his presence known in the blocking aspect of the game.

“With the coaches having trust in me as well as my teammates, our team chemistry played a huge part in that week one win, ultimately that carried on against Blanchet and Rainer Beach,” commented Maragh.

Excitingly enough, this is maybe the only time in recent history the Irish have seemed comfortable throwing the ball, and with targets like Maragh, it is easy to see why.

As one of the top receivers in his class, Maragh felt like the best part of his skillset is “definitely my route running because I am able to win off the line and get separation.” Maragh also adds, “Baseball definitely helped with having proper footwork and I think those two sports go hand in hand really well.”

Irish fans should be excited about Maragh and the 2022 offense as they look to be firing on all cylinders this season.

“The sky is the limit for this team because we all have important roles, and I feel closest to this team than any other team I’ve been apart of,” stated Maragh.

The Irish face off against long time rival, Eastside Catholic, this Friday at 7pm. Tune in.