James Franklin reveals how Olu Fashanu is handling the attention, NFL hype

Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and his family have been overwhelmed with the uptick in attention he’s received as his NFL stock continues rising this season. Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin discussed what makes Fashanu a first-round caliber prospect on Tuesday.

“He’s just so consistent with his approach, with his habits, with his maturity, with his drive towards being elite, really, in everything that he does,” Franklin said. “(Olu’s) got a chance to be an Academic All-American. He’s got a chance to be the academic Heisman winner. … And obviously, he’s being talked about as a first-round draft choice.

“I think the biggest thing is he’s got unbelievable play strength. He is strong in the weight room, but he’s got unbelievable play strength. He’s usually in great position. If he is out of position, he has the ability to get himself back into a winning position against a defensive end. But more than anything, it’s just about his consistency. You watch the tape and the guy has got play after play after play of protecting the quarterback’s blindside and finishing blocks. And no drama.”

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The class of 2020 signee exited Penn State’s game versus Ohio State on Saturday but the team has not shared what injury he’s dealing with. Franklin called it a wait-and-see situation ahead of the Indiana matchup on Saturday.

Olu Fashanu bolts up draft boards

Fashanu is still just 19 years old and he has his phone ringing constantly with agents hoping to sign the future NFL star.

After the 2023 season, the Fashanu family will have a lot to consider. He went from contributing in a minor role last season to the starting left tackle in 2022 and dominating the position. With one more year under his belt, there’s no telling how high he could climb on the draft boards.

“It’s a lot, but I think they seem to be asking all the right questions and for the most part handling it well,” Franklin said. “The way the rules have changed has made it worse. I know in some ways I think it is better, but in some ways, like in the past, you couldn’t talk to an agent… I think sometimes those rules were good because it created a barrier for them a little bit.”