Michael Fitzgerald is not everywhere on the field for Brother Rice. It only seems that way.
The senior edge rusher plays with a furious and relentless style that makes him hard to handle.
“I think it all comes down to mentality,” Fitzgerald said. “Some guys don’t want to give their full effort like when they’re tired or their legs are dead. Wherever I can play, I will.
“I just always give my best wherever I can.”
Fitzgerald was one of the best on defense Friday night for the Crusaders with six tackles during a 28-10 victory over host St. Rita in Chicago. He also forced an interception.
Senior running back Jaylin Green scored on a 69-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback CJ Gray and also rushed for a pair of 8-yard TDs to lead Brother Rice(3-0). Jovan Green Jr., Jaylin’s brother, also caught a 26-yard TD pass from Gray.
Junior running back Brandon Johnson Jr. came through with a 1-yard TD run for St. Rita (1-2). Senior kicker Saul Ruiz added a 33-yard field goal.
The 6-foot, 205-pound Fitzgerald, meanwhile, showed the positional flexibility and versatility in unlocking an athletic, hard-hitting defense that did not allow a first down in the either the second or third quarter Friday.
Fitzgerald started the game at edge rusher. He also moved inside on the line and played outside linebacker. His pressure set up an interception by senior safety Daniel Speski in the first half.
“He’s everywhere,” Brother Rice coach Casey Quedenfeld said. “He’s fast and physical, and he has a great intelligence for the game. He’s found his spot at the edge.
“We have three Power Four recruits on our defensive line — he should be going somewhere. He’s that good and impactful.”
Senior defensive lineman King Liggins, an Illinois recruit, pointed out that Fitzgerald’s practice habits are something the rest of the team feeds off.
“I just love that guy,” Liggins said. “He’s a leader. He’s fierce. He just brings great energy to practice. He’s that shot in the arm of what we always need. He’s just that guy.
“Instead of making a statement, he is going to make a play.”
Fitzgerald wears the same No. 3 jersey as his older brother Joe, a standout defensive end on Brother Rice’s 2018 Class 8A state runner-up. Joe’s twin, Danny, was a defensive back on that team. A third brother, Charlie, also played linebacker in the program.
As the youngest, Michael watched and learned, never taking the easy way out.
“Football was always around me,” he said. “We had this game we played when I was growing up where I was Troy Polamalu. “It was the three of them coming after me.
“They’d say you are not getting out of here until you can beat us and stuff like that.”
Fitzgerald, who has an offer from NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Eau Claire, hopes to elevate his recruiting profile this season.
Regardless of what happens, he has developed into a critical piece on a first-string defense for Brother Rice that has not allowed a TD the last two games.
“Last year, I was a role player,” Fitzgerald said. “I rotated a good amount, but I didn’t start every game. I really hit the weights in the offseason, worked on my speed and conditioning.
“Now, I’m a captain and full-time starter.”
His naturally competitive personality is matched by an adverse reaction to losing.
”I just hate that feeling,” he said. “Last year we fought against that with Marist, Rita and Loyola. I go into every game now remembering how that felt and never wanting to go through it again.
“I go around, I fly around, play disciplined and play hard.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
