As we move through the draft cycle this year, teams have to remember that talent comes from all levels, including some of the smaller schools. Today’s report looks at a player from the Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) who has been lighting defenses up with his play. Harold Fannin was a multi sport athlete during his time at McKinley high school in Canton, Ohio (lettered in baseball and also played football as well) just miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played multiple positions, including safety and wide receiver before committing to Bowling Green.
He was unranked per ESPN and 247 Sports, and thus only received one offer in FBS: Bowling Green. His first season on campus, he saw 19 catches for 218 yards and one receiving touchdown, but also added 4 touchdowns rushing as well. He appeared in 12 games, with one start.
2023 saw a spike in his production, reeling in 44 passes for 623 yards and 6 touchdowns. His 406 yards after the catch ranked second in the nation in 2023, behind Brock Bowers, who would be selected by the Raiders in Round 1 in that year’s draft. He also set a career high versus Eastern Illinois, with 7 catches for 109 yards in a single game.
As of this article, he holds the Bowling Green Record for single game receiving yards by a tight end (193), single season receiving yards by a tight end (704 and counting prior to today’s game), and is number 1 all time in career receiving yards and touchdowns at Bowling Green as well. Needless to say, he is the best tight end to ever step foot on campus for Bowling Green, but how does he measure up? Let’s look.
Player Info
Name: Harold Fannin
Jersey: No. 0
Position: Tight End
School: Bowling Green
Class: Junior
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 230 lbs.
Harold Fannin’s Strengths
Harold is an absolutely fantastic route runner for a tight end, as he can run any route you need him to. Need a guy to run a quick slant? Harold. Need a guy to run a route up the seam (middle of the field)? Harold. Need a guy to run a quick route into the flat? Harold. He can do it all for you at tight end when it comes to the route tree.
Harold also is an excellent blocker when used in the run game as well. Part of this is due to his physical strength at the point of attack, part of it stems from his time playing safety in high school, as he used his time on defense to better understand leverage and engaging at the point of attack as well.
His biggest strength is his versatility, as he has lined up all over the field for bowling green. From a wide receiver on the outside, to a slot receiver, to a tight end, to a player out of the backfield, Harold has lined up all over the field for Bowling Green, so he can do anything that is asked of him.
Harold Fannin’s Weaknesses
The biggest knock on Harold is his frame as he’s a little light for a tight end (6-4, 230 lbs.) and a little heavy for a wide receiver, so he has somewhat of a tweener frame. This could be seen as an issue for some teams who aren’t as creative in getting their offensive playmakers the ball, as they may be unsure where to line him up.
Another knock from some folks is his level of competition, since Harold hasn’t played versus elite competition, but I don’t consider this an issue. Harold’s skill set and talent pops on tape, and as I like to say; “Tape doesn’t lie.” I have no doubts or concerns about him translating to the next level.
Draft Projection
I have Harold currently in a dogfight for my TE1 with Luke Lachey (you can read my article on him here) and Gunnar Helm, but I strongly believe Harold Fannin is a round 1 talent, regardless of whether he is TE1/TE2/TE3.Any team selecting Harold will have to be creative in how they use him, but here are a few fits for Harold:
- Kansas City Chiefs (With Kelce getting older and Andy Reid being one of the most creative minds in the NFL from an offensive standpoint, as much as I don’t like the Chiefs, this fit would be outstanding for Harold for his development at the next level.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (With a need at tight end, as well as a need for playmakers along the offense to pair with Evans and Goodwin, this would be a good fit for Harold. The concern would be whether Bowles and his offensive staff could properly use Harold as an effective chess piece.)
- Los Angeles Chargers (With a need to get younger at tight end, not to mention Harold’s willingness to be a blocker in the run game, LA would be a good fit for Harold. Not to mention, it gives the Chargers an offensive weapon for Herbert in the passing game.)
Any team who is on the hunt for a chess piece on offense would do well to look at Harold in round 1. While there are concerns about his size and level of competition, he is a baller and a playmaker, and will succeed at the next level, regardless of size.
My comparison for Harold Fannin: David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
