Going back through the second weekend of college football proved to be an educational one for draft evaluation purposes. The sixth game on my review schedule was Bowling Green at Penn State, a game I caught very little of in real-time viewing.
I’m glad I went back to this game, and the biggest reason is BGSU tight end Harold Fannin. He’s only a junior but already has some draft buzz for 2025, and coming from a MAC school that speaks volumes about Fannin’s ability. In watching the 6-foot-4, 230-pound (listed measurements) versatile weapon, it was easy to see why.
My only prior exposure to Fannin was a brief appearance against Michigan in 2023, a game injured he left after just four offensive snaps. He missed the Falcons games against Ohio and Georgia Tech, the only other two BGSU games from last year I had seen.
He looks bulkier than the listed weight, especially when defenders are trying to tackle him in space. Fannin runs with some violence and power after the catch and does a good job of quickly getting north/south. That showed on his touchdown catch, a play where he also proved too fast across the field for linebackers to run with,
BOWLING GREEN STRIKES FIRST! 🔥 @BG_Football pic.twitter.com/CAapG31ZEG
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 7, 2024
The Falcons used him all over hte formation, including a gadget play where Fannin got to show off his throwing arm–a deep pass that was on target and probably should have been a defensive pass interference call against Penn State. As an inline blocker, Fannin showed he can effectively chip before releasing into a route.
It’s unusual to see a tight end be the focal point of a passing offense, but that’s Fannin. He caught 11 of the 13 passes thrown his way and did so all over the field. Against Penn State, Fannin was at his best working the seams. There is zero fear of contact as a receiver, and his transition from receiver to runner is very reminiscent of players like Trey McBride of the Cardinals or David Njoku of the Browns.
Fannin should have a monster season as the Falcons get to the MAC schedule. The fact he lit up what appears to be a pretty good Penn State defense should attract more attention to a player whose draft stock is very upwardly mobile.