Penn State defense gets another big 2022 boost as PJ Mustipher announces return
Another Penn State defender is returning for the 2022 season.
Defensive tackle P.J. Mustipher announced Tuesday that he is coming back for another year in a Nittany Lions’ uniform.
Mustipher’s announcement was expected but not guaranteed after he was lost for the remainder of the season following a lower-body injury at Iowa in October.
“This past year didn’t end as expected, and I look forward to pursuing the goals we have set as a team, as well as the goals I have set for myself,” Mustipher wrote in a statement.
“I am going to use my extra gear of eligibility and return for a fifth season. I am excited to get back to school and continue my rehab and working with the guys for the upcoming season!”
It is unclear when Mustipher will be able to get back on the field. For what it’s worth, almost 11 months will have passed between the injury and Penn State opening next season on the road against Purdue Sept. 3 in West Layfayette, Ind.
“I don’t want to get into the specifics about anything, you know we can’t do it, Mustipher told reporters in November. “I’m working hard. I’ve got a long time, I will say that, but, you know, I gotta go in there each and every day, no matter how long it will take for me to get back.
“I’m thankful for the staff, the medical staff, I’m thankful for my coaches and my teammates for being there for me every day to push me through. I’m rehabbing, I’m working out, I’m lifting, doing that whole thing. As far as that goes I’m just taking it day by day and controlling what I can control.
Penn State needed Mustipher back next fall
It should go without saying just how big of a deal this is for Penn State.
The Lions are already losing one 2021 starting defensive tackle, Derrick Tangelo, to the NFL Draft. D’Von Ellies and Coziah Izzard held up fine as starters during a 24-10 loss to Arkansas in the
Outback Bowl. Both have promising futures but must continue to develop to one day impact a game the way Mustipher already has during his time in blue and white.
There is no question that Mustipher’s recovery timeline is now one of the biggest off-season storylines. The Maryland native certainly does not need to be ready for spring practice, but in an ideal world, he’s be back in pads at least by the middle-to-end portion of camp in August.
Mustipher is the second Penn State defender to announce that he’s coming back for the 2022 season. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown will also return. He and Mustipher are expected to be the leaders of the Lions’ defense, which of course will be under the direction of new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.
