Most Chicago-area high school football fans are aware of the recruiting attention shown to Fenwick junior defensive end/tight end Nate Marshall. But the Friars have another player picking up multiple college offers, and that is junior linebacker Jack Paris, a River Forest resident.
“The recruiting process has been exciting,” Paris said. “I’ve met and talked with really great coaches and have learned a lot along the way.”
If the name Paris sounds familiar to Fenwick fans, it should. Jack’s older brothers, Conor (linebacker) and Martin (safety), were starters on the Friars’ 2021 IHSA Class 5A state championship football team, while older sister Maeve was part of Fenwick’s 2022 Class 1A girls tennis title squad.
Last fall, Jack made the All-Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference team, totaling 83 tackles (35 for loss), 19 passes broken up, 19 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He has offers from Akron, Ball State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Toledo, and Vanderbilt among others.
Paris also stars on the wrestling mat for Fenwick. He missed most of this past season due to a football injury suffered in the season finale at IC Prep, but he was determined to return in time for the Catholic League and IHSA tournaments.
“I took the time while I was unable to compete to focus on getting stronger and bigger,” Paris said. “I was able to get cleared by the doctor on that Friday [before the Catholic League tournament] and wrestle on Saturday.”
Paris won the 190-pound title at the Class 2A St. Ignatius regional, then finished third at the Grayslake Central sectional to advance Downstate. He narrowly missed gaining All-State status as he finished seventh; the top six in each weight class get All-State honors.
“For Jack to do what he did after missing most of the season is impressive,” said Fenwick coach Seth Gamino.
Paris, who also has played baseball and run track, is an intense competitor who knows how to manage his time.
“I love to compete, and playing sports has always been an important part of my life,” he said. “Fortunately, I have been able to maintain a successful balance between my commitments to sports and academics. It takes discipline and good time management.”
Paris made the All-State academic team in football last year and he’s looking for a college that stresses academics and has a strong culture on and off the field. But in the meantime, he’s looking forward to his senior year at Fenwick and has high hopes for success.
“Our football season had a promising start, but we had some unfortunate injuries along the way,” he said. “We were disappointed to not make the playoffs, but we’re focused on bringing a state championship to Fenwick next season. For wrestling, our goal is to win state, and I also want to win an individual championship.”