PSU’s Fashanu to return in ’23
Olu Fashanu, been projected as one of the top offensive tackles in the 2023 NFL draft, announced Monday that he will return to Penn State.
The 6-6, 321-pound Fashanu has been the regular left tackle since the Outback Bowl in January. He suffered an undisclosed leg injury during a 44-31 loss to Ohio State and has missed the last four games.
His availability for Penn State’s bowl game is not known. He has two seasons of eligibility left.
“Although playing in the NFL is a goal of mine, there is still more that I want to achieve personally and collectively as a program,” Fashanu wrote on social media. “After several conversations with my parents and coaches, I will be returning to Penn State for the 2023 season. I want to thank my family, teammates and coaches who have helped me get to this point in my life. My work here is far from over and I look forward to getting back to work with my brothers.”
Fashanu’s decision is a boost to Penn State’s 2023 aspirations. It’s possible the Lions can return their entire starting offensive line, depending on decisions by center Juice Scruggs and right tackle Caedan Wallace, who has missed the last five games.
Earlier this month, guard
Hunter Nourzad announced that he will return in 2023. Nourzad, a transfer from Cornell, has started every game at left guard since Landon Tengwall suffered a season-ending injury.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Olu return for the 2023 season,” coach James Franklin said in a statement. “He is a person of high character who exemplifies our core values, leads by example and models what it means to be a complete Penn State student-athlete.
We will continue to work extremely hard to help Olu achieve all of his goals on and off
the field and look forward to another season with him and his family in Happy Valley.”