Multiple Penn State football players litter midseason All-America team

We’ve officially reached the midway mark of the Penn State football season. While the Nittany Lions are one of the top programs in the nation, they’ve reached that status with an impressive display of complementary team football. But that doesn’t mean there haven’t been standout performers in Happy Valley this fall. Several Penn State football standouts Olu Fashanu, Dom DeLuca, and Daequan Hardy have earned their way onto FOX’s midseason All-America team for their play this season.

Multiple Penn State football players litter midseason All-America team

On Wednesday, FOX Sports announced its All-America teams for the midseason. While stars like Kalen King and Chop Robinson were not included in the list, three Penn State football standouts, Olu Fashanu, Dom DeLuca, and Daequan Hardy, were recognized for their efforts through six games.

Olu Fashanu: Second-team offensive lineman

It is no surprise to see Olu Fashanu make this list, regarded by many as a potential top-10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft. Some analysts debate whether Fashanu or Notre Dame’s Joe Alt is the top lineman in this Draft class. Regardless, Fashanu has certainly been impressive this season. In the first five games, Fashanu didn’t allow a single pressure on 155 pass protection snaps. He also owns a 93.4 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. 

📈📈📈 @Olu_Fashanu pic.twitter.com/VqcrRguzFj

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 18, 2023

Dom DeLuca: Second-team linebacker

As someone well-respected by his teammates, the former walk-on turned team captain Dom DeLuca has come up big for Penn State football this season. While his most impressive play this season was his pick-six against Delaware, DeLuca has also been a strong contributor to the defense. DeLuca has 16 total tackles on the year, including a sack against West Virginia. He also forced a fumble against Illinois.  

PENN STATE PICK SIX! 🔥

📺 @peacock pic.twitter.com/m8qsnKUSLi

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 9, 2023

Daequan Hardy: Second Team Punt Returner

After missing several early season games, Daequan Hardy was flying a bit under the radar at the national level. However, that quickly changed as the redshirt senior burst onto the scene for the Nittany Lions. Hardy has two interceptions in the last three games. However, the Penn State CB made the All-America list for his special teams prowess. Hardy returned a Penn State football record two punts for touchdowns last week against UMass. Never returning a punt in college before last week, Hardy quickly vaulted himself into the discussion as one of the most dangerous returners in the Big Ten.

😮‍💨 @PennStateFball just keeps 'em coming pic.twitter.com/JPTKSYFYHK

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 14, 2023

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