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Joey Porter Jr. talks Penn State, NFL hopes, and more

Joey Porter Jr. had a lot to say about this year’s NFL Draft, his time at Penn State, and more.

Published

7 months ago

on

Joey Porter Jr.
Sep 1, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) and Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji'Ayir Brown (16) celebrate in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

It is an exciting time to be a football fan right now. The NFL Combine is going on ahead of next month’s NFL Draft, the XFL is in full swing, college football spring ball is starting up, and more — the feel of fall football is in the air for the first time in months. During this weekend’s NFL Combine events, former Penn State star defensive back Joey Porter Jr. had a chance to talk about a variety of subjects with CBS Sports. Here is what the former Nittany Lion had to say.

Joey Porter Jr. talks matchup with Marvin Harrison

When looking at film, any good scout would look at Porter’s games against top competition. When it comes to college football wide receivers, no one has a better wideout room than the Ohio State Buckeyes — which is likely why the first question Porter was asked was about his matchup with Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison.

“Going into that game we knew it was going to be the money game,” Joey Porter Jr. said. “Every year O-State is the money game because they bring out great wide receivers throughout the years. And [Harrison] was the talk of the town, so I knew that was going to be the key matchup — me vs. him … Going into the game I was really ready and locked in for that. Not a lot of targets my way with him, I wish it was a little bit more — I was talking to CJ [Stroud] on the field like, ‘come on man throw it my way, I’m bored out here.’ But they’re great competitors and that’s what they do for a living is compete, so I was ready for that moment.”

Porter on staying focused during a game

“Really just not getting complacent,” Joey Porter Jr. said on how he stays locked in despite not seeing many targets his way. “My junior year I felt that I got a little bit complacent toward the back end. That was something I told myself I just couldn’t do — I couldn’t just let myself have any lazy plays out there, I couldn’t make myself look like I’m loafing. That was a big part of what Manny Diaz [helped with] — he kept me accountable for that, and I held myself accountable.”

Porter on how he uses his size on the field

“I got long arms and I’m gonna show you, I’m gonna press you, I’m gonna hit you in your chest,” Porter said.

Joey Porter Jr. on how much pressure he felt coming from an NFL family

“A little bit,” Porter said. “When I was growing up as a kid, when I played sports, a lot of people were like, ‘you gotta be like your dad, you gotta play linebacker,’ and everything like that. At a young age [his dad] told me ‘just be you no matter what. They’re gonna make comparisons, I want you to be better than me when you grow up,’ and he really meant that, so for me growing up I really didn’t think too much about it. The pressure really wasn’t that much anymore because me and him had that understanding, and it was pretty good after that.”

Porter on why he is the No. 1 cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft

“I feel like do everything well,” Joey Porter Jr. said about his abilities as a cornerback. “you’re gonna get a competitor out of me, I’m not going to shy away from the big moments, that’s what I look for. I’m just here to do my job and do it well.”

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FOOTBALL

BREAKING: Trace McSorley gets last-minute call from NFL team, will miss White Out festivities

Trace McSorley was expected to be an honorary captain for tomorrow night’s White Out game against Iowa, but it appears that the former Penn State QB had a last-minute change of plans.

Published

5 days ago

on

September 22, 2023

By

Penn State football, Trace McSorley, White Out, NFL
Sep 29, 2018; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Trace McSorley (9) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Across Happy Valley, Penn State football fans are gearing up for the White Out tomorrow night against Iowa. The White Out always attracts famous Nittany Lions from the past, and this weekend will be no different. Saturday night’s primetime matchup against the No. 24 Hawkeyes was expected to feature two Penn State legends, as former Nittany Lions Grant Haley and Trace McSorley were set to be the team’s honorary captains. However, it appears that the program may have just received a late cancelation, as McSorley has apparently received a last-second call from an NFL team.

Former Penn State QB Trace McSorley gets last-second NFL callup, expected to miss White Out festivities

Earlier this week, Nittany Nation was excited to learn that two Penn State football legends, Trace McSorley and Grant Haley, were set to serve as honorary captains for tomorrow night’s matchup against the No. 24 Iowa Hawkeyes. During his Tuesday press conference, head coach James Franklin noted that McSorley and Haley were already on campus, mingling with members of the current program in the weight room.

“They’re beloved in Penn State history, in my opinion. I know they are in our building,” Franklin said. 

However, it appears that there has been a last-minute change of plans. Friday afternoon, The Family Clothesline posted a message on Instagram noting that McSorley would not be making his scheduled appearance at the store tomorrow. According to the message, McSorley had received a last-minute call to meet with an NFL team.

“We wanted to update you on the autograph session scheduled for tomorrow, September 23,” the message reads. “Trace McSorley received a last-minute call to meet with an NFL team. While we are disappointed he won’t be in Happy Valley for White Out Weekend, we are wishing him the best of luck! It’s unfortunate that we will not be able to have Trace meet you all, but this is a great opportunity for him, so we are showing our best support.”

At this time, it’s unknown which NFL squad has contacted Trace McSorley. McSorley played two seasons for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, before being cut by the New England Patriots last month.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

WATCH: Saquon Barkley helped off field with lower body injury

Things don’t look good for former Penn State RB Saquon Barkley

Published

1 week ago

on

September 17, 2023

By

Penn State football, Saquon Barkley, New York Giants, injury
Sep 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is helped off the field against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

As Penn State football comes off a Week 3 win at Illinois, Penn State fans wrapped up the weekend by watching former Nittany Lions hit the field in the NFL. The late afternoon window this Sunday was particularly enjoyable for Penn State fans, with both Micah Parson and Saquon Barkley leading their respective teams in action. However, the mood turned sour near the end of the New York Giants game against the Arizona Cardinals, as Barkley was helped off the field with an apparent lower-body injury.

Former Penn State, New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley helped off field

The New York Giants completed a massive comeback against the Arizona Cardinals this afternoon, rallying from a 20-0 halftime deficit to win 31-28. In the second half, Saquon Barkley was back to doing Saquon Barkley things. The former Penn State running back had 17 rushes for 63 yards and a touchdown. In the passing game, Barkley also added 6 catches for 29 yards and a score to his stat line today.

However, the Giants comeback ended poorly for Barkley. With 1:08 left in the game, Saquon Barkley went down with an injury after a nasty tackle that twisted his right leg.

Barkley ultimately needed assistance getting off the field. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Barkley was getting his ankle tapped on the sideline. However, Schefter noted that the Giants running back was walking with a limp.

On the sidelines, the camera caught Barkley looking visibly upset. Barkley had 12 carries for 51 yards on the season coming into this game. If he is to miss extended time, it would be a major blow to the former Penn State football standout, who is one of the superstars in the NFL today.

The New York Giants return to action against the San Franciso 49ers on Thursday night. Given that it’s a short week, it’ll be interesting to see if Saquon Barkley is able to go for the primetime matchup.

UPDATE: As of 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz is reporting that the Giants believe Saquon Barkley has suffered a sprained ankle, and that the Giants superstar avoided a major injury.

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

ICYMI: Former Penn State quarterback cut by NFL team

Recently, former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley received bad news, getting cut by the New England Patriots in the NFL.

Published

4 weeks ago

on

August 31, 2023

By

Former Penn State quarterback, Penn State Football, Trace McSorley
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Trace McSorley (19) drops back to pass during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback is a buzzworthy position around the Penn State football program currently. While this is true for most college football programs this time of year, it’s especially so in Happy Valley. The competition for the starter’s role encompassing the 2023 offseason appears to be reaching its end. But in the pro ranks, one former Penn State quarterback will not be coming out on top in his position room, as recently Trace McSorley was cut by the New England Patriots.

Penn State quarterbacks have been in the headlines as of late

When you mention Penn State football, quarterback is what comes to everybody’s mind. Ahead of Penn State’s season opener at home against West Virginia, James Franklin has been reluctant to name a starting quarterback. Quarterbacks Drew Allar and Beau Pribula have been battling all camp long to see who will win the starting quarterback position. Both early enrollees of the 2022 class, the duo is in their second year under Offensive Coordinator Mike Yurcich’s system, which should help their development. With the growth the two have shown, I suspect they will both see playing time this season. 

In addition, James Franklin and Mike Yurcich have praised the development of true freshman Jaxon Smolik. The 6-foot-1-inch quarterback from Iowa has grown immensely from just spring to fall. James Franklin said ahead of WVU that the team has “three quarterbacks that we could all win with.” 

Outside of current Nittany Lion QBs, there has been news professionally. Rookie fifth-round pick Sean Clifford just won the backup role in Green Bay. Clifford’s completion percentage so far in the preseason jumps off the page – 71.9%. 

Additionally, former second-round pick Christian Hackenberg has started dipping his toes into the world of NIL. Hackenberg is now a part of State Media, a Penn State-based NIL media company that will interview players. 

But Penn State’s most famous quarterback received some bad news.

Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley cut by New England Patriots

An argument could be made about who Penn State’s best quarterback ever is. The argument typically comes down to two – Kerry Collins and Trace McSorley. In his first season in starting for Penn State in 2016, McSorley led the Nittany Lions to their first Big Ten Championship since 2008. McSorley led the Nittany Lions to a Fiesta Bowl win in 2017. 

McSorley was drafted in the sixth round by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 NFL Draft. He spent most of his time as a backup to Lamar Jackson but saw select game action for the black and purple. In 2021, the Arizona Cardinals signed McSorley off the Ravens practice squad. McSorley only started one game for the Cardinals. After Kyler Murray and Colt McCoy suffered injuries, McSorley started 2022 week 16 against the Buccaneers. He went 24/45 for 217 yards and an interception. 

After the 2022 season, McSorley signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, joining former Penn State teammate Mike Gesicki. McSorley only threw four passes in the preseason, completing only one. The Patriots have quarterbacks Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, and Malik Cunningham on the roster. The Patriots must have thought McSorley was not good enough to beat out the other three, as they cut him after the preseason ended. 

Time will tell where McSorley ends up next. Hopefully, this is not the end of McSorley’s playing career. 

Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at [email protected] or direct message us on our social media. Also, be sure to check out our new site shop. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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