Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503568
5 2 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / 2 0 2 3 F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / tion. Whatever I did, I would have the full support of the coaching staff, whether I left or came back," Fashanu said. "It felt good to hear that whatever I would do, whatever decision I made, I would have their full support. They gave me the green light to make whatever choice I wanted because they're both positives." Given Fashanu's talent and influence among his teammates, the coaching staff was particularly excited about his deci- sion to return in 2023. For the Nittany Lion offense, Fashanu is the gatekeeper to much of its potential. Penn State has a promising sophomore quarterback in Drew Allar, two talented running backs in fellow sophomores Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, as well as a group of capable tight ends and highly recruited receivers, but the Lions' attack starts up front. On the offensive line, Fashanu's pres- ence permeates the rest of the group, which is expected to be Penn State's best in years. His decision to return serves as a vote of confidence in the line as a whole, a reflection of what one of the program's best players believes is possible for the team. "It's motivating, because he had the opportunity to [leave for the NFL], and that's what we work for," redshirt junior backup center Nick Dawkins said. "He came back, he saw our team and knew what we could accomplish. It's hum- bling, and it just sets the tone for us all. It's motivating what we can accomplish this year as an offensive line and as a team." More Work Ahead Fashanu is bullish on what Penn State is capable of doing this season, particu- larly its offensive line. "I think we do have the potential to be the best offensive line in the country," he said. "But there's a lot of work to be done. I, along with the entire O-line, know that. "We know our potential, and not only are we willing to do the work, but we have been doing the work since the end of last season. So, I'm excited for every- one. I think it's going to be a great year." Before he embarks on that journey, though, Fashanu has unfinished busi- ness to resolve. Having picked up the golf habit this summer while tagging along to the driving range with a couple of teammates, he said he's progressed from "awful" as a first-timer to "still pretty bad" at the sport. He's determined to take advantage of the time available to him before the next phase of his life begins. The opportu- nity to continue developing as a player alongside his teammates and friends, both on and off the field, is one he rec- ognizes as special. "I've just been embracing the mo- ment and embracing all the time that I get to spend with all my teammates," Fashanu said. "You're only in college for so many years, so not taking any moment for granted is important. And that's something that I've definitely been doing." ■ "I've just been embracing the moment and embracing all the time that I get to spend with all my teammates. You're only in college for so many years, so not taking any moment for granted is important." F A S H A N U After being injured during Penn State's loss to Ohio State last October, Fashanu focused on helping his replacement, freshman Drew Shelton, get up to speed at left tackle. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE