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Every draft class includes small-school prospects with the talent and work ethic to make an impact at the next level, and the 2025 NFL Draft will be no different. Western Carolina’s Curtis Fann Jr. is one such player. A former four-star recruit from Emanuel County Institute (GA), Fann’s path has taken him from Florida State to Akron before landing at Western Carolina, where he displayed his versatility, physicality, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
At 6’3”, 250 pounds, Fann has the size and frame to fit multiple defensive schemes, with experience playing as an EDGE rusher, outside linebacker, and even kicking inside on some downs. He recorded 554 total defensive snaps in 2024, with a near-even split between run defense (264 snaps) and pass-rush situations (263 snaps), along with 27 coverage reps. His run-defense grade jumped from 43.9 at Akron to an impressive 69.3 in 2024 at Western Carolina, demonstrating steady year-over-year improvement.
High School and Recruiting Background
Fann was a dominant two-way player at Emanuel County Institute (GA), earning a four-star rating and ranking as the No. 26 strong-side defensive end in the nation. His impact on both sides of the ball helped lead his team to multiple playoff appearances.
His recruitment saw him choose Florida State over Georgia and South Carolina, and he was rated No. 143 in ESPN’s Top 300 prospects. At Florida State, Fann redshirted in 2019 and spent 2020 on the scout team before transferring to Akron, where he saw his first collegiate action.
College Career and Development
Redshirted in 2019 and spent 2020 on the scout team.
Earned Seminole Scholar honors in 2020.
Played in 10 games, recording 12 total tackles, one QB hurry, and a half-tackle for loss.
Primarily used as a rotational defensive lineman.
Developed into a key rotational defender, playing in all 11 games in 2023.
Ranked 3rd on the team in run stops (23) and led the team with 2 forced fumbles in 2024.
Tied for 3rd on the team in total pressures.
Played 140 snaps at both Right and Left OLB in 2024, with nearly 100 snaps over the tackle or kicked inside.
The FCS Bowl is an annual post-season all-star game showcasing top college football seniors from FCS, D2, and D3 programs. Hosted by East Preps LLC, the event provides NFL and CFL scouts with an exclusive look at standout players from smaller schools. The game, held in Daytona Beach, FL, is coached by experienced pro-level coaches and has drawn scouts from all 32 NFL teams. With game film distributed directly to NFL teams by NFL Films, the FCS Bowl serves as a key scouting opportunity for under-the-radar prospects looking to prove themselves at the next level.
Personal Background and Academic Achievements
Curtis Fann Jr. is more than just a football player—he’s a determined, hard-working individual with a strong family-first mentality. Raised in Stillmore, Georgia, a small town with a population of just 447 people, Fann grew up in a tight-knit family with his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt. His grandfather, Curtis Lee Fann, was one of his biggest role models.
Despite the adversity he has faced, including the loss of multiple close family members while in college—his great-grandmother passed away during his first week at Florida State, and he also lost his cousin Keon Mack in 2024—Fann has remained resilient and focused on his journey.
Academically, Fann is as dedicated in the classroom as he is on the field. He holds:
Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Business
Associate’s degree in Arts
Master’s degree (Spring 2025) in Entrepreneurship
His long-term aspirations go beyond football. While he is determined to make an NFL roster and contribute to a team, he also wants to use his education to build something impactful for his family and his community.
“My goal is to make an NFL roster & contribute to a team in the best way possible, playing the game I love. I’ll do anything to help my team win on and off the field, no matter what it is. Another thing that is very important for me is learning from the veterans I will be around.” – Curtis Fann Jr.
Advanced Metrics and Scouting Report
Strengths
✅ Run Defense Growth – Improved his run-defense grade from 43.9 (Akron) to 69.3 (Western Carolina), showing development in block-shedding and gap control.
✅ Tackling Reliability – One of the most consistent tacklers on film; minimal missed assignments and graded highly as a tackler throughout his collegiate career.
✅ Versatility – Played EDGE, OLB, and even some interior reps, displaying positional flexibility that translates well to multiple schemes.
✅ Pass-Rushing Potential – Flashed disruptive moves, including an effective cross-chop technique, while tying for 3rd on his team in total pressures.
✅ Special Teams Usage – Logged special teams snaps on kickoff and punt teams, a crucial factor for undrafted players looking to make an NFL roster.
✅ High Motor and Physicality – Plays with relentless effort and a strong lower half, making him a tough matchup for offensive linemen.
Weaknesses
❌ Overall Pass-Rush Production – While he flashes disruptive reps, his sack and pressure numbers do not stand out at the FCS level.
❌ Average Lateral Quickness – Can struggle with agility-based movements in space, limiting his effectiveness in open-field situations.
❌ Undersized for Some EDGE Roles – At 6’3”, 250 pounds, he may need to bulk up or transition to a hybrid role at the next level.
2024 Season Highlights
📌 Defensive Snaps Played: 554
📌 Tackles: 22 (15 solo)
📌 Sacks: 2
📌 Forced Fumbles: 2 (led team)
📌 Run Stops: 23 (3rd on team)
📌 PFF Run Defense Grade: 69.3 (Major improvement from Akron)
NFL Projection and Fit
Best Scheme Fit:
Fann projects as a rotational EDGE or hybrid OLB in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, where he can use his versatility to defend the run and contribute as a situational pass rusher.
NFL Player Comparison
🔸 6’3”, 255 lbs | Practice squad to rotational EDGE role
🔸 Good tackler and run defender, limited pass-rush upside early in his career
🔸 Gritty, high-motor player who made an impact through special teams before earning defensive snaps
🔸 Took a path through multiple teams before carving out a role—something Fann may have to do
Draft Projection:
Undrafted Free Agent / Priority UDFA
🔹 Practice Squad Candidate with Developmental Upside
🔹 Strong Fit for UFL, CFL, or Other Pro Leagues
Summary
Curtis Fann Jr. brings experience, physicality, and versatility to the table as a high-motor EDGE/OLB prospect. His steady improvement, tackling ability, and experience across multiple alignments make him an intriguing developmental player.
"I love football because it’s been my life since I was a kid. It’s my first love. God, Family, and Ball—those three things complete me. I love making plays, the chills that go through my body when I make a big play, and the process that comes with it. Even when it’s tough, it’s beautiful because the struggle produces greatness." – Curtis Fann Jr.
While he may not be an immediate-impact NFL player, his ability to defend the run, create turnovers, and contribute on special teams makes him a viable practice squad or developmental piece for an NFL defense. If he doesn’t land on an NFL roster, his skill set translates well to leagues like the UFL, CFL, or indoor football, where he can continue refining his game and prove himself at the professional level.