2021 Penn State Nittany Lions Profile Card: PJ Mustipher

PJ Mustipher is Penn State’s only returning starter on the defensive line, and he continues to work hard to improve his game for 2021.

Name: PJ Mustipher

Number: 97

Position: Defensive Tackle

Class: Junior

Height: 6′-4″

Weight: 326

Hometown: Owings Mills, MD

High School: McDonogh School

Twitter: @KingPJ55

Overview

After an offseason of roster turnover on the defensive line, Penn State knows it can feel confident with the return of PJ Mustipher plugging up the middle of the line this fall. Mustipher is the only returning starter on the defensive line in 2021, although the additions through the transfer portal will help keep a veteran presence on the line of scrimmage.

Mustipher started all nine games for the Nittany Lions in 2020, and he played well enough to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades from the Big Ten coaches and media. The Penn State coaching staff named Mustipher the defensive player of the week twice last year, after games against Maryland and Michigan. Mustipher continues to delight the coaching staff in the offseason with his performance in offseason workouts and spring football practices.

Football runs in Mustipher’s veins. His older brother, Sam Mustipher is a former Notre Dame offensive lineman who currently plays in the NFL for the Chicago Bears. Mustipher’s father, also named Sam, previously played for West Virginia. The Maryland native was a two-time captain in high school and continues to be a leader for the Penn State defense heading into 2021.

Mustipher could probably have made a case for being on the Penn State wrestling program if he wanted. In high school, Mustipher was a two-time All-American and a state heavyweight wrestling champion in 2017 and 2018.

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