Penn State DT PJ Mustipher discusses his decision to return, who's impressed during preseason and much more

Penn State’s first full week of the 2022 football season has arrived, which means multiple players were made available Monday to recap August training camp and look ahead to Thursday night’s showdown against Purdue. Senior defensive tackle and team captain PJ Mustipher was one of those players Monday afternoon, offering insight on a few teammates, his return from injury and much more.

Below are a few of the key takeaways from Monday’s Zoom meeting with Mustipher.

On Tyler Elsdon being named Penn State’s starter at middle linebacker over Kobe King

Penn State head coach James Franklin announced Tuesday that redshirt sophomore Tyler Elsdon has been named the starting middle linebacker for Thursday’s season opener over redshirt freshman Kobe King. Mustipher said that he thought both performed well during camp, hinting that Elsdon’s ability to read the offense may have been a key part of the decision.

“They’ve both done a phenomenal job,” Mustipher said. “[Elsdon’s] understanding of the defense has been huge for him. He’s able to go out there and really get us all set properly, and that’s huge from a defensive line standpoint. … We rely on the linebackers, and not just Tyler but Kobe as well. So, they’ve both done a really good job of getting a better understanding of the defense, doing what the coaches are asking. Their development is not over. I wouldn’t say they’re younger guys, but they’re in those years where you’re still learning everything. So, they’re doing a phenomenal job, and I’m excited … to see what they do this season.”

On Hakeem Beamon and Adisa Isaac returning to the Penn State defense

After playing as a redshirt freshman, Hakeem Beamon missed all of 2021 for undisclosed reasons. Of course, Adisa Isaac missed out as well with an Achilles injury. Both players are returning to a defensive line that had depth issues last year, which should be a massive help.

“They both look great. Both of them have unique talent,” Mustipher said. “Their speed, their strength, everything. They’re really versatile players. It’s exciting to get them back. They can be very disruptive, not only in the run game but the pass game as well. They’ve been a huge help. Getting them back is really going to help this defense and what [we] can do. I’m just really excited to line up with them because they’re going to help me and the rest of the defense be better based off their capabilities.”

On getting back out on the field Thursday after last season’s injury

Mustipher had a serious injury of his own last season, tearing his ACL during Penn State’s game at Iowa. His road to recovery since October 2021 hasn’t been easy, which is why getting back on the field is something he plans to cherish Thursday night.

“Oh, man, [there are] gonna be a lot of emotions,” he said. “Just this journey and this process, it’s been difficult. It’s been really challenging, but at the same time, it’s been great because I’ve grown up and learned so many new things about myself. I’m gonna take it all in. I’m gonna appreciate it, but at the end of the day, we’ve got a job to do. I’ve got a job to do. I’m gonna definitely be excited to be back out. I’m probably gonna be a little more nervous, but you know, once we get that first hit out the way I’ll be ready to go.”

On the development of Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant since arriving at Penn State

In addition to Isaac and Beamon returning, Penn State also feels good about freshman defensive linemen Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zane Durant. Both players are expected to contribute throughout the season, and Mustipher praised their work ethic since arriving on campus.

“They’re both talented guys, both confident guys, and that just stems from the work they’ve put in,” he said. “Zane came in in the wintertime, and Dani came in in the summer. Since they have stepped foot on campus, they’ve done a tremendous job of just putting in the work, asking a ton of questions and just being a sponge. It has translated to the practice field, so they’re doing a great job and continuing to develop. Along this journey, the reps are what truly matter. They’re going to keep getting reps and they’re just going to keep getting better. They’re two talented guys, and I know they’re going to be able to help us this year for sure.”

On how much the past two seasons played a role in Mustipher returning for 2022

Before he was injured last year, it was believed that Mustipher would likely leave Penn State for the NFL after the 2021 season. Even after he got hurt, there was speculation that he would forgo his final year of eligibility, but he surprised many when he announced he was returning. Mustipher mentioned that the team’s subpar results in 2020 and 2021 had a hand in that decision.

“Going 11-11 the past two years doesn’t sit well with me,” he said. “When I was getting recruited here, we were talking about Big Ten championships, national championships and everything that we wanted to accomplish. We haven’t done that the past few years. We haven’t met our goals and met the standard that was created before us. I didn’t want to leave on that note. I want to leave how I wanted to come in, and that’s just winning. We’ve put the work in. September 1st, it all starts on this new season. So, what better way to go out on a career than winning? I’m excited man. I wanted to be around these guys. I see the talent we have. I love the locker room we have, so I want to be a part of that. I’m just ready to go with these guys.”