Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu picked for multiple midseason All-American teams
Penn State starting left tackle Olu Fashanu has been named to a pair of midseason All-American teams. Both ESPN and CBS named the veteran blocker on their respective lists on Tuesday. The 6-foot-6, 317 pound Waldorf, Md., native is widely considered as one of the top players in the country. He is expected to be a top five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“The 6-6, 317-pound senior has been a rock at his left tackle position for the Nittany Lions,” Chris Low writes for ESPN. “He hasn’t allowed a sack or pressure in pass protection and has been equally dominant as a run-blocker. Penn State was thrilled to get Fashanu back for another season, and he has been an integral part of an offense that is tied for fifth nationally in scoring (44.3 points per game) and has at least 30 points in all six games.”
Fashanu is the second-best graded tackle in the country through seven weeks, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s so even if the Lions have been smart about getting him out of games as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
“The games are situational,” Lions coach James Franklin said in September. “If we can get him out, then we wanted to get him out. You look at last week, we wanted to try and get him out as early as we could. But the games, it’s all what the games dictate to allow us to be successful and let him go out and show he’s the best lineman in college football.
“To me, it was managing last spring, and the spring game, and practices, and the games based on situations.”
Fashanu talks first six weeks
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Fashanu evaluated his season to date. He and defensive end Chop Robinson are part of the Lombardi Award midseason watch list, as well. It goes to the nation’s best player.
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“I feel great right now,” Fashanu said. “It’s nice to be recognized but at the end of the day I know I need to stay consistent in my play and keep improving every week, which is something Coach Franklin has been emphasizing to the team.”
Penn State set for Ohio State week
Fashanu and Penn State are ready for Ohio State week. The Nittany Lions are a 4.5-point underdog for the top-10 showdown inside of Ohio Stadium. It starts at Noon ET. FOX will televise the contest. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day told reporters on Tuesday that he is unable to offer any updates on numerous injured members of his roster. Also speaking Tuesday, Franklin held a news conference, as well.
“I think we’re playing really good complimentary football,” Franklin said on Tuesday. “That’s been really important for us.
“They’re a spread offense. They will go tempo as well. Ton of guys we have respect for. Tremendous challenge. Also a tremendous opportunity. We’re looking forward to going to Columbus and playing this game.”
