Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. Declares for NFL Draft
In this story:
Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will forgo the team's bowl game and enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Porter does so looking to make history as the first Penn State defensive back selected in the first round.
"My time at Penn State has been nothing short of a blessing," Porter wrote in a statement on social media.
Porter, Penn State's lone first-team all-Big Ten selection this season, had a strong season cut short by a bout with appendicitis that caused him to miss two late games. He returned to start and play a few series in the Lions' regular-season finale against Michigan State.
Porter recorded 11 pass breakups and recovered a fumble this season. Opposing offenses completed just 42.3 percent of their passes when targeting Porter, who allowed just nine receptions on 26 targets in man coverage.
NFL Draft Bible ranks Porter as the No. 3 cornerback, and No. 15 prospect overall, in the 2023 draft. Porter brings "prototypical" size (6-2, 194 pounds) and coverage skills to the position, NFL Draft Bible writes.
"Following in the footsteps of his dad [former NFL linebacker Joey Porter], Porter Jr. is the total package and one of the top cornerback prospects in the nation," according to NFL Draft Bible.
Porter has the potential to break draft ground for Penn State. The program has had 40 first-round picks but none from the secondary.
Until the appendicitis, Porter was a staple of Penn State's defense. He had started 22 consecutive games, and 30 of 31, before missing the Maryland and Rutgers games.
"I think Joey has had a very good year," Penn State cornerbacks coach Terry Smith said recently. "I think he’s deserving of the accolades that have come his way so far."
PENN STATE FANS: SI Tickets is your one-stop shop for tickets to a variety of Penn State sporting events, from football to basketball, hockey to volleyball. Need tickets to the Penn State game? Check out SI Tickets.
Read More
Running back Nicholas Singleton named Big Ten freshman of the year
Penn State returns to the CFP Top 10
Olu Fashanu, Penn State's standout lineman, to return in 2023
Joey Porter Jr. leads Penn State's all-Big Ten defensive selections
Lions look toward the future after a big finish vs. Michigan State
Penn State has a very real chance to make the Rose Bowl
Penn State-Michigan State report card: Making their bowl case
Penn State 35, Michigan State 16: The breakdown from Beaver Stadium
Penn State's defense believes it's 'on the edge of greatness'
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
