Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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football recruiting an invitation to play in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game. "What I like about him is he's smart, he can play tackle or guard, and he has really good feet," CBS Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. "Over the last couple of years he's played for one of the more talented teams in the country, and he stands out. "He's a team leader in a quiet way, and his players look up to him. He's strong and flexible enough to cut off the defender. He has played it all, and I'm really impressed with him." Film Analysis Strengths Mustipher gets his hands inside quickly to win the initial position … Has good bend in his knees off the line and latches on to control the defender … Maintains a consistent stance and doesn't give tips on the type of block he's going to try to execute, and his first step is quick both laterally and upfield … Combo blocks well and comes off of the line low and works to the whistle … Actually like him more on tape as a defensive lineman due to his increased level of aggressiveness, reads, footwork and good use of hands to get to the ball carrier. Areas To Improve Mustipher gradually gets nearly straight up by the time he gets to the second level for a block, which causes him to lose some of that mobility to stay with smaller, quicker defenders … He'll work on getting his hips lower and ripping through it to get out on the end quicker and with a stronger delivery … Adding strength to his frame will allow him to be more stout and stand ground, and his footwork in pass protection needs to be better. — Jason Sapp "We thought Notre Dame was the team to beat for Mustipher following his visit to South Bend back in January," Wiltfong added of the prospect's recruitment from Notre Dame. "Mustipher felt really good about the Irish after seeing the school, meeting the coaching staff and some of the players, and ultimately receiving his scholarship offer in Brian Kelly's office. "Mustipher wanted to take his time with the process and did one more swing of visits in early April … and couldn't shake the feeling of wanting to play for the Irish and attend school in South Bend." Mustipher identified his interest in Notre Dame early and got a great sense the first time around that he could ultimately see himself on the campus for good. "It was a great visit," he said. "I wasn't expecting it to be like it was. People always talk about the tradition they have there, and when you get there you get a feel for what they're talking about. It was amazing. It was a great visit." A key part of his trip was meeting with the Irish coaches. "I had great talks," Mustipher noted of his conversations with Kelly, offensive coordinator Chuck Martin and offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. "Coach Kelly was the one who extended an offer so that was special. Looking at the rings and championships in his office that he won at previous schools, he said he is looking forward to winning one with guys like me at Notre Dame." ✦