What a season it was for Red Bank Catholic Class of 2023 linebacker Michael Palmieri and his team.

The Caseys stunned New Jersey No. 3 DePaul in the Non-Public B final 13-8, with the defense leading the way for the new champions. Palmieri was second on the team with 12 tackles in the game and was one of the key reasons RBC shut down DePaul’s vaunted attack, holding them to just one third-quarter touchdown.

Normally, Palmieri’s play on the field (70 tackles on the season and numerous big plays) for an 11-1 state champion team in New Jersey’s rough and tumble Non-Public brackets would be enough of a reason for him to get on the radar. But he is also a two-sport star for RBC - Palmieri just qualified for the NJSIAA Region 6 bracket for the second year in a row, coming back from a tough loss in the District 20 semifinals to pin his opponent in overtime to finish on the podium in third.

Palmieri is also a winner in the classroom, with a 3.5 GPA, and should continue to improve. He is a leader in and out of the classroom, something every program needs.

Here is what a coach that faced Palmieri in 2021 had to say about the junior linebacker:

“He just never stops working. You can tell he will grow into his frame and become a solid size, but he was very effective in 2021, next to Davin Brewton. You know he is strong, too, because he competes at 190-pounds in the Shore Conference with some big dudes on the wrestling mat, and he does very well."

“I am really interested to see how he develops over the spring and summer. Red Bank Catholic has a very good player.”