WORCESTER – The “attack mindset” that the Holy Cross defense plans to play with this season certainly fits senior edge rusher Carlo Crocetti’s style. “What he does best,” HC coach Dan Curran said after the team’s Aug. 18 practice at Kuzniewski Field, “is get after people.” In 2025, Crocetti, playing outside linebacker on first and second downs and moving to the edge on third and fourth, led the Crusaders in sacks with eight, including six in HC’s final three games. “Now,” Crocetti said, “I’ll be on the edge line and get to do what I love most all four downs. I’m excited about that.” More: New look for Holy Cross as Crusaders open camp with eye on improving Holy Cross lost several key contributors from its front seven to the transfer portal, including last year’s leading tacklers Cam Santee (UNLV) and Lathan Croley (James Madison). Curran expects Crocetti and senior linebacker Adam Due, who are both captains, to thrive in HC’s defensive system under first-year defensive coordinator Bryan Robbat. Robbat served as special teams coordinator and secondary coach each of the last two years. “Coach Robbat is great in allowing his players to do what they do best,” Curran said. More: Former Shrewsbury teammates reunite at Holy Cross In 12 starts last season, Crocetti totaled 48 tackles, 9½ tackles-for-loss, an interception, 4 quarterback hurries and a pass breakup. In a late-season win over Bucknell, Crocetti became the first Holy Cross player since 2021 with three sacks in a game. “I think speed kills,” said Crocetti, who was also a track and field star in high school at Xaverian. “Being able to work your speed moves, whatever that may be for everybody, and converting that speed to power.” Crocetti’s sack total ranked fifth in the Patriot League. “As well as he played at end of year last year,” Curran said, “I can see his game going to the next level. He is really embracing his new role and hopefully he’s developing into one of the best edge rushers in the league.”
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Crocetti was a Catholic Conference all-star wide receiver at Xaverian. The former Holy Cross staff recruited him as an athlete on defense, and he began his college career at strong safety. He played 22 games at that position in 2023 and 2024 and totaled 23 tackles, 2½ tackles for loss and 2½ sacks as a sophomore, before shifting to outside linebacker last year. “It was quite the transition,” Crocetti said, “but it’s opened my eyes up to a lot and I’ve gained a lot from it. “Deep down,” Crocetti said, “I always wanted to be an edge rusher, but I never really did it. I found out I was naturally kind of good at it and I put a lot of work into it. Now, I’m in a position where hopefully I can keep playing and go forward with it.” Crocetti, one of four captains, is a vocal motivator during practices. Junior defensive end Cooper Ackerman of Shrewsbury, a transfer from UConn, said last week that Crocetti has been very helpful to him as he works on improving his pass rush skills. “Carlo has grown so much in that (leadership) role,” Curran said. “To be a leader, you have to have credibility. You look at his work ethic, his character and the type of teammate he is. Because of all those things that he does consistently, he’s earned the right to be able to challenge his teammates if they’re not meeting the standard and those kids respond to him. He’s just so ultra consistent in everything his does. He’s finding his voice, and I’m really proud of him.” As a freshman, Crocetti looked up to senior captains such as former HC linebacker Jacob Dobbs. “(Being a captain) is awesome,” Crocetti said. “It’s everything I ever wanted to be. I grew up with a lot of guys my freshman year who led by example and set a great example. I took all of that, put it into myself, and try to do my best.” ‒Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JenTolandTG. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Holy Cross senior Carlo Crocetti embraces new role for Crusaders