Jack Fairman will play football at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA in the Fall.
A four-year starter, Jack became a central figure in the continued success of Cranbrook football. A two-way starter on the offense and defense, Jack set a high standard with his leadership abilities, determination, and versatility.
Although he will continue his career as a LB, Jack played multiple positions throughout his career at Cranbrook. He has seen time as a DB, QB, RB, TE, and WR. He also has been a holder and a long snapper on field goals and punts.
“We have asked Jack to perform in different roles over the years,” said Cranbrook Head Coach Ben Jones. “He has always found mastery in each instance.”
As a freshman, Jack played in the CHSL Prep Bowl held at Ford Field, helping Cranbrook to win the first of back-to-back Catholic League Championships. These early experiences would become high standards for Jack- he would become a leader in the Cranes future success.
In his sophomore year, Jack would be the center of a prolific defensive unit that didn’t allow any points in 6 of its games, and only seven points in 3 others. It also brought Cranbrook its first MHSAA division championship. In the 7-0 win over Detroit Mumford, Jack had solo 12 tackles and 1 key interception stopping a potential tying score.
Named a team captain as a junior, Jack added the duty of being the starting QB in addition to his LB duties.
“Its tough job being an emotional leader on the field on one side of the ball,” said Coach Jones. ‘But to be the leader on offense and defense is a rare feat. It speaks to the sheer talent and determination that Jack embodies. He is a fantastic athlete and leader.”
In a signature win, Jack led the Cranes to a 42-7 victory over Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard to clinch the 5th straight MHSAA playoff berth for Cranbrook. Fairman finished 8-for-16 on 119 yards and 2 TD’s. He would add solo 13 tackles and a sack on defense.
In his senior year, Jack relinquished the QB duties but continued to contribute on both sides of the football. In another noteworthy performance against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Jack had 17 tackles and 1 rushing touchdown. He helped seal a 6th consecutive berth to the state playoffs for the Cranes.
“Jack has been a critical element of our program giving a yeoman’s effort every game,” said Coach Jones. “As a captain, he has been a leader in the locker room and on the football field. He has set a standard for those players behind him. He exemplifies the very best of Cranbrook Football.”
A bona fide three sport athlete, Jack also was a starter and team captain for Cranbrook Baseball and for Cranbrook Basketball.
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Jack’s career stats are as follows: as a QB- 68 completions on 134 attempts, 707 yards passing, and 8 TD’s; as a RB -120 carries for 1087 yards rushing, 5.6 yard avg, 14 TD's; as a TE/WR-14 receptions for 102 yards, 1 TD reception; as a LB- 324 tackles, 29 TFL's, 7 INTs, 7 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Jack was awarded the following honors: named to the 2019 All-State Team, First Team, by the Associated Press; 2019 Detroit News All-State, Honorable Mention; 2019 Detroit Free Press All State, Honorable Mention; 2018 AP-All State D3-D4 Honorable Mention; 2018 Detroit News All-North Honorable Mention; 3X All-Catholic, CHSL; 2019 MVP, 2018 MVP, 2017 Co-Defensive MVP, Cranbrook Football; 10 x Player of the Week; Max Preps; Player of the Week, Hometown Life News; 6x Top Performer of the Week-Detroit Free Press; Class of 2020 Watch List; The DZone.
Jack received college football offers from Cornell, Johns Hopkins and Penn.