Safety Ji’Ayir Brown called sophomore cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) “the ultimate competitor.” Porter ranks fourth on the team in tackles (40) and has broken up four passes this season. Photo credit: Steve Manuel

A little more than midway through the third quarter of Penn State’s clash with Ohio State last month, the Buckeyes were driving. Deep. In fact, they were only about a yard or so away from a touchdown, with the score tied at 17.

The Nittany Lions stuffed a couple runs. Then, quarterback C.J. Stroud threw to wideout Garrett Wilson, who was matched up 1-on-1 against Penn State sophomore cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. In a goal-line situation, Porter didn’t have any help. It was just him against Wilson, the guy in front of him.

Porter broke up the pass, tangling with Wilson in midair to knock the ball away. After the play, Porter jumped up and shook his head. Not in a cocky way. More confident, sure of himself. Essentially, he was saying, “You’re not going to beat me 1-on-1.”

Ohio State settled for a field goal.

This is just one example of how Porter embraces the times when he doesn’t have help in coverage.

“I love those moments,” Porter said. “Those moments are for a corner to really show what he’s about, really put it on for your team, especially when you know the play is coming to you. One-on-one, there’s nothing you can do about it but defend it. I like stepping up to the challenge, I like those 1-on-1 matchups. You really get to see who’s better, me or him. I enjoy that.”

Porter ranks seventh on the team in tackles (40) and has broken up four passes while pulling in an interception. He also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown against Auburn, though the play was called back because of a penalty. Following the game in Columbus, we recorded his postgame media availability, and you can see that on our YouTube page.

“Joey Porter, he’s the ultimate competitor,” safety Ji’Ayir Brown said. “He might be the most competitive guy on the defense. Joey, he loves to compete. He loves the 1-on-1 matchups you get. He loves going against the best. It’s a blessing to have a corner like him to be able to watch him play and watch him do the things he does very well.”

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