Sam Mustipher already has double-digit offers, but the 2014 Maryland offensive lineman is hungry for more.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder from Good Counsel in Olney, Md., currently has offers from Ohio State, Maryland, Penn State, Clemson, West Virginia, Illinois, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Hawaii and Tulane.
“It’s definitely humbling,” he said. “Honestly, I just look forward to getting more and just putting in hard work during the offseason and letting that show during the games we play during the season. It just makes me hungrier for more; All-American consideration, all-conference consideration and things like that.”
It’s not just Mustipher’s size that has caught the eye of college scouts.
“My speed and my ability to get off the ball and finish blocks,” Mustpher said. “My technique as well. I go to a school where I get great coaching day in and day out. A lot of guys who come out of my school are college-ready and I think I’ve proven that a little bit as well.”
Notre Dame assistant Kerry Cooks was by the school earlier in the process and has maintained contact with Mustipher ever since.
“Between now and then, we’ve been messaging each other and talking whenever we can,” Mustipher said. “I’ll probably end up taking a visit down there. Hopefully I can eventually get the Notre Dame offer.”
Mustipher’s early feelings for Notre Dame are all positive.
“It has great tradition, a great history of offensive linemen and great overall talent with Heisman Trophy winners,” he said. “I’d love to be a part of that. I know each year they’re going to get talent regardless, so that’s definitely something I want to be a part of.”
He’s also been impressed with the Irish’s play on the field this season.
“Their record speaks for itself,” he said. “I watched the USC game and one of my teammates was out there. He told me it was a great game. I love their running game and their ability to throw the ball. They’re a really balanced team. Their defense is one of the best defenses in the country. It’s definitely been a very impressive season so far.”
Mustipher was able to take a few trips this fall.
“I went to the Ohio State-Michigan game,” he said. “I went down to West Virginia for the Baylor and I went to Maryland for their season-opener as well.
“You get the feel for the game atmosphere. I went to some of the top games in the country, so it was definitely a great experience and I’m looking forward to doing more of it.”
Mustipher doesn’t have any favorites at this point.
“I’m still trying to see if I can rack up a few more offers and then I’ll sit down with my parents and coaches and figure it out where to go from there,” he said.
But he does have an idea of what he’s looking for in a school.
“Definitely academics, I’ll always need my degree,” he said. “You never know when football can end. The ultimate goal is to get to the NFL, so I want to make sure whatever school I go to I’m NFL-ready.
“Also, the talent that’s coming in with me. I want to know that I have a good group of guys coming in with me and that we have the ability to win championships and have impressive seasons year in and year out. And definitely the coaching stability.”
