Four-star cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the son of legendary former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker and current assistant coach Joey Porter, revealed to 247Sports that he's received the strongest interest from Pittsburgh and West Virginia early in his recruitment.
"They stay in contact with me every day, text me, sending me messages, it's motivation," Porter Jr. said.
Of course, the Panthers have a geographical advantage with Porter growing up nearby the Pitt campus while his father played for the Steelers. He's also kept in constant contact with head coach Pat Narduzzi, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson and wide receivers coach Kevin Sherman.
"I like their defense," he said. "I like where they're going with that. It's a good program, they're always putting people in the league."
But the junior has also found similar intrigue in West Virginia, as well as his primary recruiter, cornerbacks coach Doug Belk.
"I like their defense," Porter said again. "I like the players on the team. They have a lot of good people going there."
Porter revealed that he's also received some interest from Ohio State and Penn State, but hopes to hear more from the programs in the future.
It's likely that the NFL legacy will receive a boost from recruiting websites after switching over from wide receiver to cornerback. Similarly, his father switched from offense (H-back and wide receiver) to defense (outside linebacker) in college.
Though the younger Porter is already rated as a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports, he's yet to reach his full frame, according to his father.
"It's an unfinished product," Porter Sr. said. "We're steady molding him. I don't know what his body type is going to be. He might be my size (6-2, 249-pounds during his playing career). He's steady growing, but his body size right now allows him to play corner so he'll play corner."
Porter currently ranks as the No. 67 cornerback, No. 15 player from the state of Pennsylvania and the No. 717 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite.
