Top-ranked offensive tackle Olu Fashanu shocks the NFL by STAYING in school for another year, instead of declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive tackle Olu Fashanu has shocked the worlds of both the NFL and college football by announcing that he is staying in school for another season.
The 19-year-old redshirt sophomore, who stands at a gargantuan six-foot-six, 310 pounds was projected to be the highest-rated offensive lineman in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Fashanu told ESPN that he felt as if he had ‘unfinished business’ at Penn State and that he’s returning primarily to help the Nittany Lions accomplish bigger goals next year.
Penn State tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu surprisingly announced that he will remain in school for another season, rather than declare for the NFL Draft
He specifically named winning the Big Ten championship and a national title as two things he’d like to achieve.
‘I think he would have been the top tackle in this draft and a top-10 pick,’ one NFL scout told ESPN.
‘He’s a check-all-the-boxes guy — high character. He’s a sure-fire high pick. It’s an easy evaluation.’
In Bleacher Report’s most recent mock draft, Fashanu was projected as the No. 6 pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
The third-year sophomore has only played 10 collegiate games but rapidly developed his technique to unlock his rare blend of size, athletic ability, balance and natural strength.
Fashanu prepares to block on coming edge rusher while playing against Michigan
Fashanu also singled out the potential of Penn State’s young core as well as the chemistry he has built with offensive line coach Phil Trautwein and head coach James Franklin.
He also mentioned finishing his degree and starting his master’s as part of his reasoning for returning as well.
‘Penn State is an awesome place to go to school,’ he said. ‘And I can get my education for free.’
Penn State head coach James Franklin walks the sideline during the game against Maryland
‘We couldn’t be more excited to have Olu return for the 2023 season,’ Franklin said.
He is a person of high character who exemplifies our core values, leads by example and models what it means to be a complete Penn State student-athlete.
‘We will continue to work extremely hard to help Olu achieve all of his goals on and off the field and look forward to another season with him and his family in Happy Valley.’
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