Olu Fashanu lands on Outland Trophy Watch List
The preseason build-up to Olu Fashanu’s 2023 campaign took another step on Tuesday. Announced via Twitter, Fashanu is one of 91 linemen selected to the 2023 Outland Trophy Watch List.
The award annually recognizes the top interior linemen, on offense or defense, throughout FBS college football. The winner is decided upon by the Football Writers Association of America.
Whether Fashanu notices the latest preseason recognition, however, is another story.
He is coming off a standout redshirt sophomore season at Penn State. It was one in which he landed on multiple all-conference and all-American lists. And in doing so, Fashanu has made his position clear. He does not indulge in the larger conversation distracting him from the goals he has set.
“I don’t really pay attention to the media stuff,” Fashanu told BWI this summer. “If I spend too much time concerning myself with the opinions of people outside of Lasch, it could potentially be something to distract me. So, I think a huge part of that is just not paying attention to anything like that.”
Big season ahead
Whether Fashanu pays attention hasn’t diminished his stature in college football as preseason camp has arrived for Penn State.
He has already been recognized by The Athletic as the top overall offensive tackle among draft-eligible college football players. And, Fashanu’s stock continues to climb as the 2023 season quickly approaches.
For his Penn State teammates, however, the hype hasn’t changed the person in the lockerroom or on the field. Caedan Wallace, the Nittany Lions’ right tackle poised to start opposite Fashanu this season, explained this summer that the decision to return was one welcomed by the rest of the room for reasons beyond just playing ability.
“Olu is one of those guys for us. And, we really enjoy having him around. He’s obviously a great football player, but he’s a great guy. And we love having him in the locker room,” Wallace said. “He had a really good opportunity to leave last year and decided to come back. It’s like getting to keep your brother around. We really love him.”
Next steps for Olu Fashanu
The feeling is mutual as Fashanu and the Nittany Lions get set to start preseason camp this week. Officially checking in and meeting on Tuesday, Penn State football will return to the practice field Wednesday afternoon.
Settled on incremental improvement with an eye toward incredible potential, it’s a moment Fashanu believes the Nittany Lions are poised to maximize this season.
“I mean, honestly, I think we have the potential to be the best offensive line in the country,” Fashanu said. “But with doing that, there’s a lot of work to be done. And myself, along with the entire O-line know that.
“We know our potential. And, not only are we willing to do the work, but we have been doing the work since the end of last season. So, I’m really excited for everyone. I think it’s gonna be a great year.”
