Interview: Georgia 2018 DE Michael Fairbanks has Tools to be Division-I Impact Player
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The old adage about iron sharpening iron translates in sports with top competition squaring off making for better players. A Class of 2018 recruit that has been sharpening his skill set against some of the top talent in the state of Georgia since his sophomore season is defensive end Michael Fairbanks.
There is no dispute that the state of Georgia produces some of the top football talent in the country with players going on to be college football All-Conference selections and All-Americans while lining the two-deep rosters for programs from sea to shining sea. McEachern High School is one of the many Peach State programs that helps turn the raw talent of their student-athletes into desired college football prospects.
The Indians powered their way to a 10-2 mark in 2015 and an 11-2 record in 2016 finishing both campaigns with a MaxPreps No. 8 end of season ranking against 7A competition. Helping the Powder Springs squad to achieve great heights has been their 6-3, 255 pound, end. Full season stats for Fairbanks’ sophomore year are not available but the partial stat line includes 62 tackles, four sacks, and a fumble recovery. On his way to earning All-Region 7A honors as a junior, Fairbanks had 56 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and a forced fumble; a stat line far more befitting his overall ability to effect the outcome of a game.
Watching Fairbanks play, one can see his motor does not stop and he does a great job of collapsing the pocket either with speed off the edge or a straight out bull rush. Fairbanks skills have been tested against top teams like Lowndes, Archer, Buford, Peachtree Ridge, Mill Creek, and Grayson. A bevy of college programs have a close eye on Fairbanks with teams like Stanford, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Northwestern, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas that could take interest to an offer.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Fairbanks to go over his junior season while getting an update on his off-season workouts and recruitment process.
Interview
Michael, your game took big strides during your junior season. What were some of the areas of your game that improved the most in 2016?
“During the off-season I focused on my speed and quickness. I used that to help my pass rush and my get off.”
You showed the ability to make a difference against the run and the pass. You do both well, but which do you think you do better right now, stop the run or defend the pass?
“In my opinion, I’m better against the run. That is why I have been working on my pass rush and got better with pressuring the quarterback this season.”
What new moves are you working on during the off-season to rush the passer?
“You’ll see a lot more clubs and maybe some more spins. I have been working on that too.”
Will you take on a different role with the Indians next season, either on offense or defense?
“I will still be at end but I might play some other positions to help the team out if needed. I’m not sure which positions yet. I could be at tight end some.”
Do you remember your max totals from the weight room entering the 2016 season?
“My squat was 410 and my clean was 260.”
Did you run a 40-yard dash over the summer?
“My best was a 4.89 hand-held.”
Who is the toughest offensive tackle you have gone up against so far?
“Tremayne Anchrum. He’s at Clemson now. We were teammates during my sophomore year. He is the toughest I have faced.”
How did playing against Tremayne make you better?
“We kept pushing each other at every practice. There was no time off. We always went full speed as if everyone was watching.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Georgia Tech, Clemson, Northwestern, Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Appalachian State, Central Michigan, and Stanford.”
Do you have any offers?
“I have one from Savannah State.”
Did you take any game day visits in 2016?
“I took game visits to Georgia Tech, Clemson, Georgia, and Duke.”
What were some of the things you learned during your visits about the college game?
“The fans. They are completely different. It is amazing how they take you in and treat you like family when they see you walking around with that badge. Within the game, I noticed the difference in strength. I watched someone hold someone else off with one arm. That was pretty amazing for me to watch.”
Have you started lining up any college camps yet?
“We haven’t set up which college camps I will be attending yet. I know I will go to a lot of college camps this summer.”
Are you playing any winter or spring sports for McEachern?
“Last year I did track, that is how I focused on my speed. This year I’m focusing on football.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 4.09 cumulative.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Math, or more specifically Algebra.”
What is your favorite thing about playing football?
“I love how it teaches you about life. When you get knocked down you can choose to stay down or get back up. This sport has taught me that. I just have a love for the game.”
Michael, thanks for your time today and good luck with your off-season workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: AJC.com; Michael Fairbanks (far left) with teammates.
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 58 Michael Fairbanks gets a sack (2016).
Photo credit: Fairbanks family; Michael Fairbanks at Clemson (2016).