Michael Penix Jr. wasn’t the only player who helped take Washington’s football program to new heights in 2023. Left tackle Troy Fautanu‘s football journey may be different than most, but his improvements have led him to be one of the more versatile players in the country.
Where did Fautanu’s football career begin, and how did he improve so much to the point where he could hear his name called on the first day of the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where Did Troy Fautanu’s Football Career Start?
Born in October of 2000 in Henderson, Nev., Fautanu is one of the older prospects currently in the 2024 class. He’ll be 24 by the time the new season rolls around.
He went to Liberty High School — a power of sorts in Nevada high school football.
He was a three-star recruit after his high school days and was the 59th-rated offensive tackle in the country at the time.
Fautanu chose to commit to the University of Washington shortly after.
Fautanu the run blocker 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/lkw86RvYR1
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) April 21, 2024
Revisiting Fautanu’s College Career
Fuatanu’s college career is a difficult one overall to track.
After redshirting in 2019, the draft prospect played in the only four games Washington football played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After starting in just three games in 2021, the Nevada native could be seen as a player who desperately needed more time to develop.
MORE: Top iOL in the 2024 NFL Draft
Then came the 2022 breakout. Fautanu started all 13 games for the Huskies that season and was named Offensive Lineman of the Week in the Pac-12 against Michigan State. He ended up becoming a second-team All-Pac-12 player that year.
In 2023, Fautanu and Penix helped lead Washington to the Pac-12 title and a spot in the National Championship. While the Huskies lost 34-13 to the Michigan Wolverines, the left tackle showed he could play at the highest level against the best competition.
Fautanu’s Potential in the NFL
Few offensive linemen in the 2024 class have the athleticism and versatility that Fautanu has. While predominately a left tackle, he has shown the ability to start at guard as well — something NFL teams are pushing for in their new prospects.
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings broke down Fautanu’s overall game calling him one of the “most versatile blockers in the class.”
“Fautanu has all of the necessary athletic components, and he’s also incredibly flexible and nimble in recovery,” Cummings said. “Beyond those tools, he’s one of the best pass protectors in the class — possessing balance, leverage, adaptable footwork, active and violent hands, and sharp processing speed.
“As one might expect from an older prospect, he has an incredibly high floor and also has the athleticism and flexibility to buoy an impact starter ceiling in the NFL. At either tackle or guard, Fautanu can be a difference-making presence early and often.”
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Troy Fautanu
Highlights, Records, and More
Over the last two years, Fautanu has been one of the more accomplished players in college football. In 2023, the 23-year-old was a First-Team All-Pac-12 player, a Third-Team All-American, and the winner of the Morris Trophy — an award going to the Pac-12’s best offensive lineman.
He was also a member of the Huskies’ offensive line that was given the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s top offensive line group.
Fautanu may not be as celebrated as others in his draft class like Olu Fashanu or Joe Alt, but his versatility and solid college career have made him a high-rising player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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