Olu Fashanu Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image Courtesy of Paul Burdick/Statecollege.com)

School: Penn State

Class: Junior

Position: OT

HT: 6’6

WT: 321 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #4

Background: Olu Fashanu is a former 3-star offensive tackle from Washington D.C. He attended Gonzaga High School, the same school as USC QB Caleb Williams. As a junior in high school, he helped Gonzaga win the WCAC title. As both a junior and a senior he was elected to the First Team All-WCAC. He was a dominant force at Left Tackle for Gonzaga but was a raw player, which resulted in his 3-star rating as opposed to being more heavily recruited. While Fashanu did receive offers from multiple Power 5 schools, his decision ultimately came down to Penn State, Illinois, and Virginia, and he wound up choosing the Nittany Lions.

College: In his first season at Penn State, Fashanu redshirted and ran scout team. As a redshirt freshman in 2021, he was used in more of a swing tackle role and earned Academic All-Big 10 honors. 2022 was the breakout season that many had been waiting for from Fashanu. He was named to an All-American team by multiple different outlets and was an All-Big 10 honoree. In eight games at left tackle, Olu did not allow a single sack. Not only did he break out on the football field, but he was once again an academic standout. Fashanu was named the 2023 BIG 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year and was First Team All-Big 10.

Strengths: Olu Fashanu possesses the perfect build for an offensive tackle as he is a big figure with length to keep pass rushers from crowding him in the phone booth. Despite being a massive individual, his athleticism is not lacking in the slightest. Pound for pound, he is one of the best athletes in the class. He moves well for his size and can move to the second level of the defense quickly. He can clear paths in front of the ball carrier without getting in the way with either pancake or reach blocks. Fashanu is stout in pass protection as he has a strong base and plays at a good pad level. He has heavy hands that stun edge rushers and knock them off the edge. He takes advantage of his size and combines that with athleticism and power to create an ideal blindside protector.

Weaknesses: Fashanu has to work on his base. He does not anchor himself consistently and can be pushed back if the edge rusher beats him on the first step. His feet do not get set and he can be knocked out of his stance.

Conclusion: Olu Fashanu would have been the best offensive tackle in the previous draft class. Now that he has had an extra year with Penn State, he seems to be the best and most pro-ready left tackle.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Left Tackle

Best Team Fits: CLE, DEN IND

Player Comparison: Christian Darrisaw

Player Grade: 93.1