The road to becoming a nationally known commodity by the MAC is tough. It’s not nearly as easy as a Power Four player, and it’s especially even more difficult if your recruiting platform didn’t elevate like those around you.
But for Harold Fannin Jr., his journey to nationally known has been one of dominance at every level. It’s time to give him the attention he deserves.
Harold Fannin Jr.’s Dominant High School Showing Paves Way to Bowling Green
Fanning played both safety and wide receiver for McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio. A smaller school with a powerhouse pedigree, Fannin starred during his time with McKinley.
He was named the Federal League and Northeast Inland District player of the year during his senior season while also earning First-Team All-Ohio as a defensive back. Fannin was used all over the field, on offense, defense, and seemingly every special teams unit during his high school tenure.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Fannin averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return and over 15 yards per punt return. This was in addition to scoring multiple touchdowns off takeaways on defense and snagging six touchdown receptions with over 600 yards as a receiver during his senior year.
A dominant dual-sport athlete, Fannin also lettered in baseball for McKinley.
Yet, somehow, Fanning went underrecruited and only Bowling Green offered him out of high school. That’s something other schools certainly are kicking themselves about following his two-year start with the Falcons.
In just two seasons prior to the start of the 2024 calendar year, Fannin has already placed himself all over the Bowling Green record books. His 2023 year alone saw him rank:
- No. 3 all-time in single-season receiving yards by a tight end (623)
- No. 5 all-time in single-season receptions by a tight end (44)
- No. 2 all-time in single-season receiving touchdowns by a tight end (6)
- No. 8 all-time in single-season receptions yards per catch by a tight end (14.2)
Fannin’s place is climbing on Bowling Green’s all-time record book as well, ranking third in touchdowns by a tight end after just a single week in 2024.
He earned a place as a Preseason First-Team All-American by us here at CFN, following up after earning Third-Team All-American following last season.
Fannin is arguably the best tight end that the nation isn’t talking about, but they should be. And that started back to his dominant days in high schooll
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!