4-star DL Ashton Porter down to two schools

Cypress (Texas) Cy Ranch four-star defensive lineman Ashton Porter announced a top five of Houston, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Oregon and TCU on Nov. 10. Porter, who is committing at the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 3, is now choosing between the Ducks and the Spartans.

“Probably the best community they have, my family,” Porter said “My parents love them, love all the coaches. It’s one of the best decisions I could make.”

Even though he has not publicly announced his decision, the 6-foot-2.5, 255-pound prospect has already signed. He took official visits to both schools on the weekends of Oct. 8 (Michigan State) and Dec. 17 (Oregon), respectively.

Porter was previously in Eugene for an unofficial on Nov. 19. That day, the Ducks beat Utah 20-17.

“It was an amazing game,” said Porter, the No. 303 overall prospect and No. 41 defensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus. “They’re always up, not really sitting down. During pregame, Oregon (fans were) like, ‘Ash-ton Por-ter. Come to Oregon.’ That was a great chant. I really liked that.”

Meanwhile, a key reason for Porter’s interest in Michigan State is the Spartans’ coaching staff. He and pass rush specialist Brandon Jordan have worked together for a long time.

“BT Jordan, he’s been my trainer about three years,” Porter said. “(Defensive line) coach (Marco) Coleman, he has been a great coach. (Head) coach (Mel Tucker), he talk(s) to me pretty much every day.”

Porter called Jordan “like family to me.” And even though Oregon is far away from Porter’s home, the four-star is not concerned about feeling comfortable with the Ducks.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Oregon has a commanding lead for Porter’s commitment at 94.9%. Name, image and likeness is not a factor in his decision.

“It doesn’t play a role at all,” Porter said. “… The money’s gonna be there, but I would just say I want to go to the league. That’s what I want to do. I want to go to the league. The money part (doesn’t) really mean (anything). I’m gonna make money in the NFL. I just want to have a coach that could develop as a man, as a player.”