Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1378330
changes are part of an evolution Scott hopes will make for a better season than last year, when he was playing the three-technique position opposite Shelton. "He has bulked up, and I'll tell you what, he's moving really, really well. P.J. is going to be a stout guy in there and in this league, when people try to big-boy you, we're going to be able to hold up at the point of contact. He's also nimble enough to make plays with his feet," Scott said. "I've been impressed with P.J. He's working on all the little things and all the little, minute details of the techniques. I think it's going to pay off for him. I like the way that he's moving, I like the way he's working, and I like the way he's leading, so I'm excited about it." Eager to take on the shift in responsi- bilities up front, Mustipher has also embraced what his extensive experi- ence might mean. Rivaled only by the likes of Tariq Castro-Fields, Jonathan Sutherland, Jesse Luketa and Ellis Brooks for returning experience on de- fense, Mustipher said his leadership this off-season has been as robust as it's been at any point in his Penn State career. Looking to lead by example, with an inherent belief that teams with great leaders have the most success, Mustipher sees an opportunity to be- come an impactful player in a holistic sense this season. His coaches see it, too. "P.J. Mustipher is one of the most driven guys on the football team right now," defensive coordinator Brent Pry said. "He's a tremendous worker. He has tons of experience and he's got strength and power. And he understands his po- sition. He is mastering his craft. He's a tremendous leader for us. So we're ex- cited about him. "I think the weight has been good. Sometimes you worry, but he seems to carry it very well. He's not going to get knocked around in there, I promise you that. He's got nice athleticism, and I think there will be an upgrade there." ■ >>