UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Though Penn State's annual turnover often includes major contributors, the losses are typically negated by the return of experienced leaders and developing talent.
Let's take a look at returners who not only announced they will be returning for a fourth, fifth or sixth season, but are in position to have a significant impact on The Nittany Lions' success in 2022.
Ji'Ayir Brown, Safety
Brown led a Penn State defense that finished the season plus-six in turnover margin (21 takeaways) with, a milestone no Penn State player had hit since Anthony Scirrotto in 2006, six interceptions of his own.
In the first start of his Penn State career, Brown made five tackles and intercepted Wisconsin's Graham Mertz at the 8-yard line on the final play, sealing the Nittany Lions season-opening win over the Badgers 16-10.
Against Arkansas in the Outback Bowl, Brown snagged two interceptions, both in the first half, and made six tackles.
Following the departure of his former Lackawanna College teammate Jaquan Brisker, the senior ball hawk will look to step up as a leader on Penn State's defensive unit.
Sean Clifford, Quarterback
Clifford will have the opportunity to join Jonathan Sutherland as the first four-time captains in program history.
The abundance of experience that such returning seniors offer can only bolster the Nittany Lions on both sides of the ball. Clifford finished last season with 3,107 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, including a performance against Auburn in which he completed 28 of 32 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
Moreover, the Cincinnati, Ohio native ranks third all-time in program history in passing yards (7,839), 2,260 behind all-time leader Trace McSorley. He is currently Penn State's all-time leader in completion percentage (60.3) and is second in touchdown passes (62).
Jonathan Sutherland, Linebacker/Safety
Just like Clifford, Sutherland has the opportunity to make history. He and Clifford already are the only three-time team captains in program history, but can extend that record to a fourth year if they are voted on.
Sutherland's leadership has been pivotal on Penn State's special teams unit. He was awarded the No. 0 jersey prior to the 2020 season, signifying him as the Nittany Lions' special teams leader, beginning a new PSU tradition.
Sutherland, who served as a safety throughout his first four years, took snaps at linebacker this past season and could make more of an impact in that role as a sixth-year senior.
PJ Mustipher, Defensive Tackle
Mustipher, who suffered a season-ending injury against Iowa this past season, will return for his fifth season in the blue and white in 2022.
Though his season was shortened to just five games, the senior totaled 21 tackles and a sack and was the leader of the defensive line unit.
Mustipher's return validates a defensive tackle position that could be deeper at the position with added experience along with him. Interior presences Dvon Ellies and Coziah Izzard were productive throughout last season in Mustipher's absence.
Throughout his collegiate career, Mustipher has racked up 107 total tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
A team captain in 2021, Mustipher will look to serve as the anchor alongside a multitude of developing lineman.
Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback
Porter was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and an honorable mention by the media in 2021.
The 6-foot-2, 192-pound defensive back finished with 49 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble this past season. He has started 20 games for the Nittany Lions over the last two years.
Though it will be without former standout corner Tariq Castro-Fields, the return of Porter, along with promising contributors Kalen King, Daequan Hardy, Johnny Dixon and other young talents, the group should allow Penn State's secondary to stay its course.
Chris Stoll, Long Snapper
The Westerville, Ohio, native has served on special teams for the last three seasons as a long snapper, appearing in 34 games over five years with the Nittany Lions.
A former walk-on, Stall earned a scholarship during preseason camp of his redshirt-junior season in 2020.
Stoll's performance this season earned him a nomination for the Burlsworth Trophy, an honor annually awarded to college football's most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on. Moreover, he assisted Jordan Stout throughout his Big Ten Punter of The Year campaign.
