Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu discusses Peach Bowl, future plans
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu will soon be officially off to the NFL, in all likelihood. But, before that, he will attend the Lions’ bowl game. Will he play? That’s unclear. Fashanu discussed his status for the postseason on Friday during the team’s local media day here at Beaver Stadium.
“I haven’t made any certain decisions on my future at all right now,” Fashanu said Friday. “I’m just embracing every day, you know, doing everything I can to help everyone get better. I haven’t made a decision yet on my future.”
Fashanu will at least travel with the Lions to Atlanta, however.
“I mean, it’s just another opportunity to be with my brothers.” he said. “Just make some new memories and have fun or whatever.
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Fashanu is taking a different path from at least two of his teammates in not making a decision public before the game. Tight end Theo Johnson already declared for the Draft while still playing in the game. Fellow potential first-round pick Chop Robinson in opting out of the Peach Bowl to prep for the draft.
A Maryland native, Fashanu is projected to be a first-round 2024 NFL Draft pick. He had top 10 aspirations at this time last year. But, he decided to return for a final season, citing both his academic goals and also his team goals for the Lions in 2023. The team finished the regular season at 10-2 after blasting Michigan State 42-0 on Nov. 24 at Ford Field. It means that the team will likely make a New Year’s Six bowl game but will again not qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Fashanu, despite not being a finalist for either individual award that is given to the nation’s best lineman, is a consensus first-team All-American He played the third most snaps on the Lions’ offense during the regular season. And, the fourth-year Penn State player improved his grades in all three areas that are evaluated by Pro Football Focus.
How much will Fashanu play in the bowl game?
That’s the big question now. It’s hard to believe that Fashanu will play the majority of the left tackle snaps in the Peach Bowl. He may not play any. But, the Michigan State game told us all we needed to know about who will slot in for him when he’s not on the field. Of course, we also knew the answer to this question long before the regular season finale.
When Fashanu was hurt last year, Drew Shelton was called in. Despite being a freshman, he finished out the season at left tackle. With Fashanu and Caedan Wallace both making the top five in terms of games played this past season, Shelton’s role was reduced. The backup on both the left and the right side, the Pennsylvania native saw 313 snaps over 10 games. He played 27 plays against the Spartans, though, and twice eclipsed the 60-snap mark in a game in 2023. Shelton will be the team’s left tackle of the future.
