Catholic Memorial senior rushed for 1,300-plus yards and 20 touchdowns for best team in state.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2024 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Mekhi Dodd of
Catholic Memorial (West Roxbury) is the 2024 MaxPreps Massachusetts High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior running back helped the Knights to a 12-1 record and Division 2 state championship.
For the season, Dodd ran 115 times for 1,362 yards and 20 touchdowns. He
was also a weapon out of the backfield, posting seven receptions for 139
yards and two scores. He averaged 11.8 yards per carry and a trip to the end zone every 5.5 touches.
Mekhi Dodd sprints to the end zone during Catholic Memorial's win in the Division 2 state championship game. (Photo: Mike Braca)
In a 39-21 win over King Philip Regional (Wrentham) in the championship game, Dodd finished with 18 carries for 129 yards and two touchdowns. He added two receptions for 40 yards and another score.
In four postseason games, Dodd accounted for 582 yards and 10 touchdowns.
During the regular season, Dodd led the Knights to a 40-37 win over Xaverian Brothers (Westwood) – the eventual Division 1 state champs – with 14 carries for 176 yards and three touchdowns.
Dodd's season-high came in a 34-0 win over St. John's Prep (Danvers) when he rushed for 245 yards and three touchdowns on only 19 carries.
247Sports pegs Dodd, who overcame a torn ACL suffered in the second game of his junior season, as the No. 6 senior prospect in the state. He signed with Boston College last week.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Massachusetts Players of the Year
2021 — William Watson III, QB, Central (Springfield)
2022 — Joenel Aguero, S, St. John's Prep (Danvers)
2023 — Guerby Lambert, OT, Catholic Memorial
