Penn State star Joey Porter Jr. reveals decision on college career

Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is not yet done in Happy Valley.

On Saturday, the Pennsylvania native announced he would return to Penn State for a fourth season.

Rizz pic.twitter.com/IqNbQDzeg9

— Joey Porter Jr. (@jjporter_1) December 25, 2021

“Playing for Penn State University these past 3 seasons has been a gift and an honor,” Porter wrote on Twitter. “I am grateful to play alongside some of the best players in the country!

“At this time in my life, staying in college and completing my college degree is important to me and my family. After much prayer, and discussion with my parents, I have decided to return to Penn State University.

“This decision was not easy to make. 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.”

He finished his statement with the class Penn State phrase “#WeAre.”

As part of one of the Big Ten’s best defenses this year, Porter had 49 tackles, four passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble. Over his three-year career, the defensive back has 86 total tackles.

Porter is a former four-star recruit according to On3. He was the No. 25 cornerback in the 2019 class and the No. 2 overall player in the state of Pennsylvania.

Sutherland returning too

Porter’s return is not the only good news the team received on the defensive side of the ball this week. Safety Jonathan Sutherland will return for the 2022 season, he announced Thursday. The senior will use his extra year of eligibility to play a sixth season with the Nittany Lions.

A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Sutherland came to Happy Valley as a highly regarded recruit. He was a four-star and the No. 358 overall player in the class of 2017, according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

The safety has recorded a total of 93 tackles (6.5 for loss), four passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble throughout his career. He has 19 tackles to go with an interception in 2021. 

With the return of Jonathan Sutherland and the addition of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz for the 2022 season, the defense will look to build upon this year.

Penn State’s one remaining game of the 2021 season is the Outback Bowl against Arkansas. It kicks off on New Year’s Day at noon ET on ESPN2.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.