Like father, like son.
Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. displayed his shutdown potential as a cornerback Thursday night against Purdue. In an epic 35-31 victory over the Boilermakers, Porter Jr. forced six incompletions and recovered a fumble. He also led the defense with eight tackles. His six break ups tied for the most in a game by a Power Five cornerback since PFF began charting College Football in 2014.
Perhaps what was most impressive was Porter’s ability to bounce back and not be fazed by adversity. Seven minutes into the Big Ten opener Porter Jr. jumped an underneath route and dropped what would have been an easy interception return for a TD. He also didn’t let a pass interference call in the endzone alter his composure. “I enjoy it. I take it as a challenge,” Porter said. “If they want to keep trying me, I have to make them pay. I didn’t make them pay with a turnover. But I made them pay with my presence.”
Heading into the 2022 season, Porter was already locked in as one of the top corner prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. His performance in Thursday night’s road win solidifies the proof he’s taking the right steps in his development.
Porter Jr. can be seen back in action Saturday, September 10th at 12:00 EST on ABC as Ohio University makes a trip to Happy Valley.
