Marist tight end Nic Weishar...

...has already committed to Notre Dame for the 2014 season. In the meantime, you can watch the 6'5", 215-pound senior play in what could be one of the area's most challenging schedules next year.

The RedHawks (8-2 last year) open the 2013 season against two perennial Catholic League powerhouses, St. Rita (at Soldier Field) and archrival Brother Rice at home. Even though both programs went a disappointing 6-6 last year, don't think for a minute that either contest will be anything less than a cage match. (Many of these kids went to grammar school together.)

If they're not too black-and-blue by this point, Marist will then move into its East Suburban Catholic Conference play, with Nazareth at home, St. Patrick and Joliet Catholic on the road, Carmel at home, Notre Dame up in Niles, and then Benet at home.

Here's another look, with last year's records in parentheses:

Sept. 1 St. Rita @ Soldier Field (6-6)
Sept. 6 Brother Rice (6-6)
Sept. 13 Nazareth (5-4)
Sept. 21 @ St. Patrick (7-4)
Sept. 27 @ Joliet Catholic (8-4)

Oct. 4 Carmel (3-7)
Oct. 11 @ Notre Dame (7-5)
Oct. 18 Benet (11-2)
Oct. 25 @ Moline (4-5)

Now, I know what you're thinking: Hey, Carmel was only 3-7 last year! Yeah, but the Corsairs have gone 61-21 in the last eight seasons under coach Andy Bitto. Expect them to be back this year.

And check out those last games. Marist has to face Notre Dame, led by running back Chris James, who has five Big Ten offers at this writing, and a resurgent Benet, led by fellow Irish recruit, quarterback Jack Beneventi.

And then come the playoffs!

If there's one thing you can say for sure, RedHawks coach Pat Dunne will have Weishar well prepared for the college game.