The Outland Trophy is annually presented to the top interior lineman in college football. The winner is selected by the FWAA’s All-America Committee.
Gus Mustakas (Cooper City, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna Prep) will be an integral part of Pittsburgh’s defensive front after missing all but two games last year due to a knee injury. He was off to an all-star caliber 2007 season, collecting 11 tackles and two TFLs, before suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament against Grambling on Sept. 8.
Before the injury, Mustakas had played in 25 consecutive games and was a starter at defensive tackle for 14 consecutive contests.
The Panthers’ lone recipient of the Outland Trophy is offensive tackle Mark May, who earned the prestigious honor in 1980 before going on to a standout career in the National Football League.
Mustakas is one of 53 returning lettermen for the Panthers, who are being touted as a team to watch both in the Big East and nationally this year. Pitt opens the 2008 season on Aug. 30 against Bowling Green at Heinz Field. For ticket information, log on to PittsburghPanthers.com or call (800) 643-PITT.