That is the case for former Hingham football star Keith Caruso, now a sophomore at Mass. Maritime Academy.

Caruso worked his way into the starting lineup last year, and his presence paid immediate dividends.

Since his emergence, the Buccaneers had won eight of their last 13 games.

Before Caruso, the team had won just three of its last 22 games.

As a freshman, Caruso hauled in 16 receptions for 148 yards in eight games as a wideout and flanker. He also made three tackles on special teams as rookie in 2010.

This season, heading into last weekend, Caruso was leading the team with 26 receptions for 269 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown against Coast Guard. Caruso also rushed for a touchdown against MIT.

Caruso averages 10.3 yards per catch and ranks eighth in NEFC in receiving yards per game (53.8).

In his most recent game, a 19-7 win over Fitchburg State, Caruso pulled down five catches for 87 yards and ran for another six yards on one carry.

One of his biggest games was against previously undefeated Worcester State when he tied a school record with 12 catches for 66 yards in a 23-19 comeback victory. Five of those catches were during the team’s winning drive.

“I didn’t know about it,” Caruso said about the record. “My dad told me about it when he read an article about the game. It was a team effort. Everybody had a part in it.”

At Hingham High School, Caruso played on both sides of the ball, and also wrestled and played lacrosse.

Now he only plays on the offensive side.

“It’s easier to focus,” Caruso said of playing only offense. “It (college) is really different. There’s more commitment. You watch film every day and focus on my position. I’m enjoying it.”

Caruso’s work is appreciated.

“Keith has developed into a solid playmaker over the past two seasons.  He has very sure hands and great quickness, and he has become a very important and reliable part of our offensive scheme,” Mass. Maritime coach Jeremy Cameron said. “He has great poise for a second year college player, and he will continue to be a big part of our program in the years to come.”