Penn State Snapshot Profile: No. 97 PJ Mustipher

Going into the 2022 football season, Nittany Lions Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Penn State roster.

Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for James Franklin this season.

Among the defensive leaders Penn State is hoping to rely on this season will be PJ Mustipher, who is returning from a season-ending injury suffered last season just as the season started to take a wrong turn. Perhaps this was not a coincidence. But Mustipher is working hard on getting back into form for the 2022 Nittany Lions with new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz taking over the defense.

Preseason Player Profile

AP Photo/Barry Reeger

Hometown: Owings Hills, Maryland

Ht: 6′-4″

Wt: 329 lb

247Sports Composite Ranking

AP Photo/Barry Reeger

[4-stars] | [No. 5 overall in Maryland] | [No. 5 defensive tackle]

Class in 2021: Senior

Career Stats

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Depth Chart Overview

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

After seeing his 2021 injury cut short due to injury, a healthy PJ Mustipher is primed to be a leading anchor on the Penn State defensive line in 2022. Mustipher was reportedly ahead of schedule with his rehab during the spring, an encouraging sign heading into the summer and fall for the Penn State defensive line’s picture.

Mustipher will be locked in as a starting defensive tackle as long as he is deemed ready to go, which will be the case by all accounts. Who starts with him on the defensive line are some of the bigger questions. Coaziah Izzard may be a leading candidate to line up alongside Mustipher at the other tackle position, with Dvon Ellies a likely top reserve. Zane Durant had an impressive spring as a true freshman too.

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