The wind was whipping this past week at McGrath Stadium, mist in the air.
Surveying the scene unfolding for Bishop Feehan’s football squad was senior Kane Mankins, a bruising offensive tackle and defensive end. On the sideline stood his father Logan, a New England Patriots legend. Today, Kane is looking to carry on a family tradition. One week ago, the senior committed to Ole Miss, a dream come true.
“I love playing at Feehan,” Kane Mankins said. “It’s really unique, because most of these kids, we haven’t really played with each other. Like ever. Then, we come in here, and we form tight bonds. We come out here and play. Then, going to Ole Miss, I just wanted to play at the highest level I can. I think SEC football is the way to do that.”
Most remember Logan Mankins as a critical piece to the Patriots’ success from 2005 to 2013. He also played two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-2015). During that span, the offensive guard was a seven-time NFL Pro Bowler and a First Team All-Pro twice.
A decade later, the 43-year-old is a member of Bishop Feehan’s football staff himself. The former NFL star joined the Shamrocks’ program in the summer of 2024, working alongside fellow Patriots hero Russ Hochstein as a line coach at the school. Now, he watches Kane as he builds a name for himself on the field.
“The last couple of years, you could just tell on the field that he looks different from everyone else and plays differently,” Logan said. “He works hard, he plays hard, and puts in a lot of effort. So, it’s good to see it paying off for him.”
Prior to returning to New England as Bishop Feehan’s head coach seven years ago, Bryan Pinabell was in Atlanta leading St. Pius X. He has witnessed some incredible players pass through his collective programs, but few can compare to Kane.
Mankins has received seven collegiate offers, but the most notable came this past August when Lane Kiffin and his staff picked up the phone.
When Pinabell answered the call, he was ecstatic.
In addition to the competition, Pinabell saw Mississippi as a spot where the standout could thrive, given his family history.
“They said that they were going to offer him,” said Pinabell. “That was exciting, first of all for (Kane). For us, it’s great PR, but honestly, it’s about the kid. I’m really happy for the kid. He’s going to have an opportunity to go somewhere where I think he’ll fit in very well. He’s from a farming family, so I think being in a rural area is something that really appealed to him. Oxford is definitely a rural area, but a great town. I think he’ll do well there.”
When Logan was traded to the Buccaneers in 2014, he and his family kept their homestead in North Attleboro. At that time, his daughter Kaylee was already enrolled at Bishop Feehan. She had a solid softball career with the Shamrocks before continuing her journey at Bentley University. His son, Case, soon followed with a great run himself on Bishop Feehan’s football team and is currently playing at URI.
Logan and his family love Bishop Feehan.
“Well, it’s a great school, number one,” Logan said. “The guys that live in the area, they send their kids here because of the schooling, the education, the other classmates they have. It’s just a good place for your kids to go to school. Thankfully, they have other good sports programs to go with it.”
Now, Kane will be the latest in a line of successful athletic siblings. The senior often texts his older brother for advice.
“He showed me that it’s hard work,” Kane said. “You’ve got to dedicate almost every day to playing football. So, just have to learn.”
Kane is one of 26 seniors on the team.
This past Friday, the Shamrocks (3-1) defeated St. Mary’s (Lynn), 21-7. It was the first time Bishop Feehan had toppled the Spartans on the road since 2020, when the program first joined the Catholic Central League. Kane had nine tackles. He was on the field constantly, playing 96 snaps.
“My whole entire life, I’ve loved playing football,” Kane said. “Whether it was in the backyard, or here (at McGrath).”
