Anthony Fasano came out of Verona HS (Verona, NJ), where he was a first team all-state selection by the Newark Star-Ledger, and led his team to a Group 1 state title. He also set school records in receptions and touchdowns. After redshirting his first year, he became a role player in his second season, and his role has been expanding ever since. He piled up nice numbers for a tight end, even though he was playing in an anemic passing attack. He set the Notre Dame single game receiving record for a tight end with 8 catches for 155 yards. He continued his improved production in his senior season, setting career highs in both catches and yards receiving.
Fasano isn't the biggest tight end, but has has adequate size and a solid frame. He has become a solid receiver, running good routes and showing off his soft hands. He doesn't have upper echelon speed, but he has the ability to strech the middle of the field. He is strongest working in the flats and in the short to intermediate middle parts of the field. He has developed into a solid blocker, showing good playing strength at the point of attack. He has worked very hard at this, and that has earned him more playing time because he can be in on every down. He has also developed a more physical style of play and doesn't shy away from contact in the trenches.
2006 NFL Draft Outlook
The tight end position is regaining its popularity every year, and tight ends who excel at both receiving and blocking are needed. Coach Weis is very high on Anthony, and is quoted as saying that there are not very many more complete tight ends in the NFL. That is high praise, and he backed it up with his solid season. He could be as high as the middle to late second round, but most likely he will be a third or early fourth round selection.
2008 Draft Review
