Prior to Washington’s Sugar Bowl win over Texas on New Year’s Day, Troy Fautanu spoke about why he chose to return this season.
Fautanu — a two-time first-team All-Pac-12 left tackle — could have opted to enter the 2023 NFL draft, but a text conversation with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. proved plenty convincing.
“He asked me what I was going to do [about my draft decision],” Fautanu said. I asked him, ‘Are you coming back?’ This was the day before he announced [his return in 2023]. He told me that he wanted to win a championship.
“I thought about that and realized that was something I wanted as well. That’s the reason why I committed to UW, because in 2018 they won the Pac-12 championship. That’s something that’s always been one of my goals. Look at where we’re at now.”
In Fautanu’s fifth season in Seattle, Washington won one championship and lost another; it was a rewarding return.
Two days after falling to Michigan in the national championship game, Fautanu declared for the 2024 NFL draft.
“My time with my Husky brothers at UW has been truly extraordinary,” Fautanu wrote on social media. “Thank you for making every day special. I want to express a thank you to Coaches Huff, DeBoer, Grubb, Pete, and the rest of the coaches that have helped shape me into a better man and player each day.
“Lastly, thank you Husky Nation for the last 5 years. Playing at the University of Washington has fulfilled a lifelong dream. With profound gratitude, I am excited to officially declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.”
A 6-foot-4, 317-pound left tackle from Henderson, Nev., Fautanu appeared in 49 games and made 29 consecutive starts to close his career. The former four-star recruit and Liberty High School standout is the second Husky to declare for the NFL draft since the national championship game, joining sophomore wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
Behind Fautanu, UW surrendered just 19 sacks in the last two seasons and 28 games.
Now, he and Penix are simultaneously off to the NFL.