Experience matters at defensive tackle, and Penn State is counting on 2 vets to hold down the middle

On paper, Penn State is expected to field one of its most inexperienced defensive lines in recent memory.

The Nittany Lions must replace a pair of first-team All-Big Ten ends (Shaka Toney, Odafe Oweh). Stout tackle Antonio Shelton, a 2020 starter, is now with the Florida Gators.

PJ Mustipher, a 326-pound tackle, is the only returning starter.

But the reality is, Mustipher is the only returning Penn State starter.

Don’t forget about Derrick Tangelo, a PSU name to know this month.

The Lions were able to add a number of talented defensive players via the transfer portal after the 2020 season: Temple defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, South Carolina corner Johnny Dixon and Tangelo, a Duke veteran.

Ebiketie, a second-team All-American Athletic Conference pick for the Owls last season, is expected to start for Penn State. He’s received plenty of attention this offseason.

But Tangelo also has a chance to be an impact performer, either as a starter or in a key reserve role.

The 6-2, 308-pound Tangelo, who prepped at The Bullis School in Maryland, was a three-year starter at Duke. He’s made 28 career starts, collecting 12 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries while as a member of the Blue Devils.

“(Tangelo) is really quick, he’s played big-time football down at Duke,” Penn State defensive line coach John Scott Jr. said during the Lions’ spring drills.

“He played with some good guys and he has an understanding and a maturity about him.”

Mustipher and Tangelo will be part of a tackle rotation that also could include Hakeem Beamon, Dvon Ellies, Fred Hansard and Coziah Izzard.

And early in the season, defensive coordinator Brent Pry and Scott may opt to lean on experience, which could increase Tangelo’s playing time.