Photo by: Ben Solomon/Rutgers Athletics
Olakunle Fatukasi: Improving Every Day
Aug 21 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Known as "O3," Olakunle Fatukasi emerged last season as one of the top linebackers in the conference and nationally after leading the Big Ten in tackles and earning numerous honors, including being selected as a semifinalist for the Butkus Award. Now heading into 2021, the New York native is looking to continue to improve both on the field and as a leader.
"I think that may have been the biggest recruit we signed this year, the fact that he came back for one more season," said head coach Greg Schiano. "He's a tremendous football player."
Starting off on special teams as a true freshman, Fatukasi worked his way into the starting lineup in 2019 and posted 85 tackles to place 11th in the league following the regular season. But he took his game to the next level in 2020. That included beginning with 10 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in the season-opening win at Michigan State. The performance merited him Bednarik Award National Player of the Week and Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Fatukasi continued to produce with double-digit stops in 6-of-9 games overall, reaching as high as 17 twice. Always swarming around the ball, Fatukasi made his presence felt consistently in the backfield, collecting 11 tackles-for-loss on the season to rank second in the Big Ten. He credits linebackers coach Bob Fraser with his improvement.
"I love coach Fraser," Fatukasi said. "He will help you become the best linebacker you can be. Off the field, he's a great guy that wants to connect with you."
Fatukasi's 101 tackles paced the Big Ten with his average of 11.2 per game placing ninth nationally and the most by a Scarlet Knight since 1999. The output garnered First Team All-Big honors from the media.
The national awards took notice by selecting Fatukasi to watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year), Butkus Award (top linebacker nationally) and Bednarik Award (top defensive player) heading into this season. However, Fatukasi is not focused on that.
"To have a great season, you have to have a great training camp," he said. "My mindset is to go out there every day and improve. We have a lot of fun on the field, but put in the work. We've been pushing each other all offseason."
Another area Fatukasi is looking to make an impact in is with his leadership. Voted a team captain last year, he says he wants to be more vocal while continuing to set an example.
"He led the Big Ten in tackles," Schiano said. "But more than that he's a student of the game. He's going to be a really, really fine professional football player because he loves it, he studies it, he lives the game, and takes care of himself the way that a pro football player takes care of himself. So, he's a great example, not only his production on the field, but he's a great example for our younger players and for our newcomers that are just starting with us."
"I think that may have been the biggest recruit we signed this year, the fact that he came back for one more season," said head coach Greg Schiano. "He's a tremendous football player."
Starting off on special teams as a true freshman, Fatukasi worked his way into the starting lineup in 2019 and posted 85 tackles to place 11th in the league following the regular season. But he took his game to the next level in 2020. That included beginning with 10 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in the season-opening win at Michigan State. The performance merited him Bednarik Award National Player of the Week and Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week.
Fatukasi continued to produce with double-digit stops in 6-of-9 games overall, reaching as high as 17 twice. Always swarming around the ball, Fatukasi made his presence felt consistently in the backfield, collecting 11 tackles-for-loss on the season to rank second in the Big Ten. He credits linebackers coach Bob Fraser with his improvement.
"I love coach Fraser," Fatukasi said. "He will help you become the best linebacker you can be. Off the field, he's a great guy that wants to connect with you."
Fatukasi's 101 tackles paced the Big Ten with his average of 11.2 per game placing ninth nationally and the most by a Scarlet Knight since 1999. The output garnered First Team All-Big honors from the media.
The national awards took notice by selecting Fatukasi to watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy (national defensive player of the year), Butkus Award (top linebacker nationally) and Bednarik Award (top defensive player) heading into this season. However, Fatukasi is not focused on that.
"To have a great season, you have to have a great training camp," he said. "My mindset is to go out there every day and improve. We have a lot of fun on the field, but put in the work. We've been pushing each other all offseason."
Another area Fatukasi is looking to make an impact in is with his leadership. Voted a team captain last year, he says he wants to be more vocal while continuing to set an example.
"He led the Big Ten in tackles," Schiano said. "But more than that he's a student of the game. He's going to be a really, really fine professional football player because he loves it, he studies it, he lives the game, and takes care of himself the way that a pro football player takes care of himself. So, he's a great example, not only his production on the field, but he's a great example for our younger players and for our newcomers that are just starting with us."
Players Mentioned
LB
/ FootballHead Coach Greg Schiano Spring Press Conference - 04/11/26
Saturday, April 11
Linebackers Coach Elijah Hodge - 04/09/26
Thursday, April 09
Special Teams Coordinator Eddie Allen - 04/09/26
Thursday, April 09
Rush Ends Coach Joe Woodley - 04/07/26
Tuesday, April 07
