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PJ Mustipher’s Steadiness Indicates High Potential Ahead Of 2023 NFL Draft

There’s no quit in PJ Mustipher.

Mustipher contributed to Penn State’s defensive line prowess for the final time in 2022. Previously playing alongside current NFL players Arnold Ebiketie, Shaka Toney, and Odafe Oweh, it’s now Mustipher’s turn to hear his name called.

Originally from Owings Mills, Maryland, the 6’4″, 321-pound interior defensive lineman committed to the Nittany Lions in 2017. Coming out of high school, the four-star prospect was ranked No. 78 nationally and No. 5 in his position, according to 247Sports. He committed to Penn State over schools such as Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame.

Mustipher saw the field right away, playing 10 games his freshman year en route to wrapping up 14 total tackles and a forced fumble. Mustipher would only go up from there, playing in 14 games and accumulating 37 total tackles his sophomore year. The Maryland native also secured his first career sack.

With the departure of players such as Yetur Gross-Matos in 2020, Mustipher was called upon to help lead the defensive line. Despite only playing in nine games, it was arguably his most productive season, finishing with 35 tackles and one sack.

However, a season-ending injury took Mustipher out early in his senior season. Mustipher chose not to quit and rather remain courageous through rehab and training as he worked back to the playing field after taking his extra year of eligibility.

In his second senior season, Mustipher put up a career-high 19 solo tackles, playing in every single game for the blue and white. The defensive tackle finished his time at Penn State with 144 total tackles and three sacks — impressive for an interior lineman.

Since then, Mustipher has declared for the NFL Draft, where many scouts see the Nittany Lion being picked up somewhere in the sixth or seventh round. Mustipher is a complete player, full of strength and agility, as well as noteworthy leadership skills. He will not only add size and physicality to a defense but also a positive presence in the locker room.

The 2023 NFL Draft will begin on April 27 and is set to be televised on ESPN and NFL Network.

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About the Author

Brendan Wagner

Brendan is a senior majoring in print and media journalism. Born in Pittsburgh, he now lives in Mooresville, North Carolina. As a die-hard Pittsburgh sports fan, you can find him on Twitter, @brchwags, often complaining about the Pittsburgh Steelers and maybe Justin Fields, we will see.

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