Another key member of Penn State’s defense has made a decision to some back for another season. Joey Porter Jr. announced with a statement on his Instagram account on Christmas Day, that he will be coming back for another season with the Nittany Lions, providing the defense a key player to help anchor the defensive secondary in 2022.
“At this time in my life, staying in college and completing my college degree is important to me and my family,” Porter said in his statement. “After much prayer, and discussion with my parents, I have decided to return to Penn State University.”
The return of Poirter Jr. is a big lift for the Penn State defense, which is slated to lose Jaquan Brisker and Tariq Castro-Fields in the secondary and is already losing a pair of starting linebackers in Brandon Smith and Ellis Brooks. Jonathan Sutherland recently announced his decision to return for one more season, which could see him take on an increased role in the defense. Penn State is also getting Ji’Ayir Brown back for another season at the safety position, which is a big lift as well. And the return of Porter should give Penn State a key cornerback to count on next season.
Porter has shown great athleticism in Penn State’s defense since his arrival, although he has been at the center of some untimely penalties for the Nittany Lions during the 2021 season. Returning for another year should help continue to improve his professional outlook, following in his father’s footsteps to the NFL a year from now. The decision to put those NFL dreams on hold for another year apparently was not an easy one for the Penn State cornerback.
“This decision was not easy to make,” Porter went on to explain. “Playing in the NFL has been my lifelong goal and dream, but right now I think it’s important for me to finish what I started alongside my brothers & coaches at Penn State.”
Porter, potentially paired with Kalen King at the cornerback positions, should give Penn State a fun cornerback duo in 2022.
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