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Penn State head coach James Franklin provides update on Joey Porter, Jr following 30-0 victory over Maryland

Wade-Peeryby: Wade Peery11/13/22

The Penn State Nittany Lions had no problems with the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday night. The dominated the game from start to finish and they even did it without one of their best corners, defensive back Joey Porter, Jr. Following the 30-0 shutout of the ‘Terps, Penn State head coach James Franklin provided an update on Porter’s situation.

He was not available for the game due to what Franklin said was “a non-football injury situation that we’re working through. Hopefully we’ll have Joey back soon,” Franklin said in his post-game press conference. We’ll have to see when he rejoins the team. It’s a huge loss, since he’s one of the top players at his position in the country.

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Porter is one of the best prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft regardless of position and Mel Kiper has had him on his Big Board all season long. PFF recently pegged him as being selected No. 18 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Washington Commanders.

It’s not surprising once you take a look at his film and his production this year. He has racked up 11 pass breakups already during the 2022 season, tying him for fifth in the country in that category. The 6-foot-2, 194-pound corner has also racked up 21 tackles.

Porter has landed on numerous watch lists for a number of awards across the college football landscape. He’s currently a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist–given to the nation’s top defensive back. He’s also a Chuck Bednarik Award semifinalist–given to the best defensive player in college football. The gifted corner also earned the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week during September 6.

After the 2021 season, he was named third team All-Big Ten by coaches and earned honorable mention honors from the media. Porter also racked up 51 tackles, one forced fumble, and four pass breakups that year.

As a high school prospect, he displayed excellent ball skills, snatching three interceptions and tallying four passes defended as a senior.