James Franklin praises young DT for his work ethic, dual-sport abilities: 'He's a worker'

PJ Mustipher is entering his second year at Penn State.

Mustipher is a defensive tackle with a wrestling background. At Penn State, that means something. The Nittany Lions’ wrestling program has won NCAA Championships as a team the last four years straight.

That’s right — four years running.

James Franklin knows this and knows what type of wrestling program the Nittany Lions possess. Franklin also knows that wrestling translates well to the football field, which has helped Mustipher develop:

“His improvement from last season, that’s just dramatic, and it doesn’t surprise me because he’s a worker,’’ Franklin said when asked about Mustipher on Tuesday. “I love wrestlers. Obviously, being here at Penn State with our wrestling program, and (you) see what Cael (Sanderson) does, see how those guys work, how they compete. I think it’s a really, really good sport for junior high and high school football players to play. The work ethic and the mentality are so good. And that’s kinda who (Mustipher’s) been. He’s a worker.’’

To be called a straight up “worker” by your head coach is always a good thing. You don’t slack off. You’re not lazy. You’re not looking for the easy out.

You’re a worker.

That means something to everybody, and after Mustipher appeared in 12 Penn State games a year ago in his first season, the best is yet to come.

Mustipher knows it as well:

“I’m playing faster, I’m stronger, I’ve got an extra year in the weight room,” he said. “So I’m ready to take off.”