Sam Mustipher, C, Notre Dame #53
6022, 305, 5.19
Notes: From Owings Mills, MD. Redshirted in 2014. Played in 9 games on special teams and as a reserve in 2015. Started all 12 games at center in 2016. Started all 13 games at center in 2017 and did not surrender a sack or a quarterback hit, with just 6 hurries, in 889 offensive snaps. Named one of three team captains heading into spring practices in 2018. Engineering student who has graduated with degree in computer science and plans to eventually pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Positives: Experienced. Tough, gritty, smart and productive. Makes the line calls and adjustments. Has gotten steadily better, with continued improvement of technique and strength. Very capable pulling, trapping and blocking in space.
Negatives: Average natural size and base strength. May struggle against elite, power-type nose tackles at times.
Summary: Solid, productive, technically-sound and all-around effective center.