One of the best offensive tackles in Penn State history is leaving the program.
Penn State consensus All-American Olu Fashanu is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, as he announced the news on Friday. He still has plans to travel to Atlanta with his teammates for the Peach Bowl against No. 11 Ole Miss on Dec. 30th.
He put it out on Twitter.
“There aren’t enough words to express how impactful the past four years at Penn State have been,” Fashanu wrote on Twitter. LThis football program, which has become my family, the Smeal College of Business and this entire Penn State community have taught me so much. I’ve been surrounded by some of the best coaches, fathers and role models who have helped mold me into the man I am today.
Thank you Coach Franklin, Coach Trautwein, and the entire coaching and support staff. Your continuous love, support and development will always mean the world to me.
“To my teammates, I will forever be grateful for all of the memories and bonds I have created with all of you. I consider each and every one of you as my brothers and I am thankful for our relationships.
“To the best fans in all of college football, thank you for making these past four years unforgettable. The support you show week in and week out is truly unrivaled, and I will never forget the memories that were made in Beaver Stadium.
“To my family, Mom, Dad, and Anjola, thank you will never be enough. Without you all, none of this would be possible. Your love and support through it all will always be my motivation.
“A year ago i was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to declare for the NFL draft. I am forever grateful that I made the decision to come back and compete with my brothers one last time while also graduating. With that being said, I am proud to announce that i will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. I look forward to spending time with my teammates and coaches in Atlanta for the Peach Bowl.”
Even though he is traveling with the team, it is unknown how much or if he is playing.
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If he is on a snap count or sits out entirely, Penn State will turn to redshirt sophomore swing tackle Drew Shelton to take Fashanu’s starting spot in the Peach Bowl.
Last season was his first full season as a starter and he put himself firmly on the top-10 radar by earning All-American honors. After electing to remain in college for one more season, the 6-6, 313-pounder further cemented himself at his position.
He allowed just one sack in pass protection. Despite having been in school for four years, Fashanu will be just 21 through most of his rookie campaign in the NFL.
Fashanu is listed as a top-10 prospect in many draft rankings, and ESPN’s Matt Miller has him being selected fifth overall by Washington in his latest mock.
