Latest news with #OluFashanu
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Olu Fashanu's impact still felt on Penn State offensive line
At Big Ten Media Day, James Franklin made it a point to bring up Olu Fashanu, even though he's no longer on campus. That should tell you everything you need to know about the kind of impact the former All-American left behind. Fashanu is now with the New York Jets after being taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but according to Franklin, his influence inside the Penn State locker room hasn't faded. Not even a little. Franklin said that Olu's professionalism, preparation habits, and calm but confident leadership left a blueprint that the current offensive line room is still following. Franklin talked about how Olu raised the bar when it came to accountability. He didn't just dominate on the field. He set the tone in meetings, during film, and in practice. Franklin said young guys in that room watched how Olu handled every single rep like it mattered. Now those same younger linemen are veterans themselves, and they are carrying that same mindset. The offensive line has often been the group Penn State fans have questioned the most in recent years. But now? It might be one of the more consistent and mature units on the team. Franklin credited that shift to leaders like Olu, and said that kind of leadership doesn't just disappear when someone leaves for the league. Right now, Penn State returns experience across the line, including interior guys who played key snaps last year. Franklin said these players still reference Olu in film sessions, talk about what he would've done on certain plays, and hold each other to the level he operated at. That kind of impact is rare. He also mentioned that the culture inside the offensive line room is tight. Guys know they are not going to be in the headlines every week, but they take pride in the dirty work. Franklin said that mindset was contagious when Olu was around, and it's still part of the identity now. There is also something to be said about recruiting. Franklin noted that younger linemen wanted to come play at Penn State in part because of Fashanu's story. A guy who stuck with the program, developed over time, didn't chase clout, and still became a first-round pick. That speaks volumes about what the staff is building in the trenches. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Olu Fashanu's legacy still guiding Penn State's offensive line in 2025
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets Training Camp Highlights Garrett Wilson, Olu Fashanu
The Jets continue to gear up for the start of the NFL season as Olu Fashanu gets in some work.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Breece Hall, Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou talk Jets training camp impressions
New York Jets running back Breece Hall and offensive linemen Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou each offered a different perspective on their first week of training camp. The veteran Hall is happy with how every aspect is structured better for the players. Olu Fashanu had veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses to lean on last season but now he arrives at camp as the starting left tackle. First-round Armand Membou is just excited to be back on the field in a highly competitive NFL environment.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penn State adds second commitment of day from 4-star edge rusher
The fireworks continued into July 5 for Penn State. The Nittany Lions added a second commitment on the day, earning a pledge from class of 2026 4-star edge rusher Tyson Harley. Harley attends Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., which also produced former Nittany Lion offensive tackle Olu Fashanu. Advertisement Per the 247Sports composite rankings, Harley is the No. 2 recruit from the nation's capital, No. 33 edge rusher and No. 349 overall player in the class. Harley took visits to Penn State, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Michigan State and Rutgers before settling on the Nittany Lions. Following his commitment, Penn State's 2026 class remains at No. 14 nationally and sits fifth in the Big Ten behind USC, Ohio State, Michigan and Oregon. This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 4-star edge rusher commits to Penn State
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jets' star running back in line for bounce back following down year
At the running back position in the NFL, there is a lot of young talent, alongside a bunch of proven stars. The Jets have a guy in Breece Hall who is right on the cusp of being among the league's best, but will he be there by the end of 2025? Breece Hall is coming off a down year Many expected last season to be a true breakout year for Hall, but it didn't go according to plan. He put up only 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground, along with 483 yards and three touchdowns receiving. Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images In 2023, he cemented himself as a quality back. Hall had right around 1,585 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns, which led to high expectations entering last season. Advertisement Last year, Hall's problems likely came from either his injury concerns with his knee and/or scheme and offensive line problems. While all of those issues are real, Hall just didn't look like himself. Jets hoping for a bounce-back from Hall The Jets are hoping their prized running back bounces back from his down season. The front office, led by new general manager Darren Mougey, put in front of him Hal an offensive line that will certainly help him return to form. This line is vastly improved from last season, as they changed out both tackle spots with two first-round picks: 2024's Olu Fashanu and 2025's Armand Membou. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images With these two at the tackle position, the Jets know they have an athletic and versatile offensive line. They are able to get out in space and lay blocks, which, for big plays, is extremely important. This will help Hall get to the edge and use his speed to beat people. Advertisement The Jets' receivers also have a different attitude than in previous years, as they have now made it clear that blocking for the back is extremely important. All of this adds up with a new addition in the coaching room in offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Hall has everything set up for him to succeed. Barring any health issues, 2025 should be a good year for the Jets' running back. Related Headlines
