Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1503568
A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 113 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M tall, long-limbed aliens from the James Cameron movie series. During a Steelers minicamp in June, Tomlin said both Porter and Trice were adapting well to the NFL. "They're sharp guys — the type of in- stitutions they went to, the caliber of ball they played," he said. "There wasn't much that we introduced to them sche- matically that they hadn't already been exposed to." Despite having to wait until the sec- ond round, Porter became the highest draft pick of any defensive back in Penn State history. With current PSU junior cornerback Kalen King being touted as a potential first-rounder next year, Porter might not hold that distinction for long, but he's more focused on what he can bring to his new team. "With wide receivers nowadays being 6-4, 6-5, to have a 6-2, 6-3 corner who can match up with these guys is perfect," he said. "Since the Steelers grabbed both of us, me and Cory, I feel like that's really going to pan out well this season and next season and seasons on." SEAN CLIFFORD IMPRESSES IN PACKERS' MINICAMP Sean Clifford is battling for a job as the Green Bay Packers' backup quarterback. Drafted in the fifth round this past April, the ex-Nittany Lion is vying with former Purdue and LSU passer Danny Etling for the second-string job behind expected starter Jordan Love. Green Bay's offense has been in transi- tion ever since longtime starting quar- terback Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets in April. Clifford, who is wearing jersey No. 8 for the NFC North franchise, performed well at the team's mandatory minicamp. His best day came on June 6, when he completed 9 of 11 passes for 75 yards and a 24-yard touchdown to end a two-min- ute drill. Clifford will have to continue to im- prove if he wants to surpass Etling for the top job behind Love, but his first prac- tices with the Packers suggested that he's ready for the competition. "I think we have a great quarterback room. We're all pretty close," Love told reporters. "Obviously bringing Sean in? We've all gotten close pretty quickly. "They've done a great job," he added. "We compete every day as a quarterback room, doing individual drills, things like that. Then, obviously, we're in the meet- ings and are able to watch everything and talk through it. Just hearing different things … makes us all better." Although Love is entering his fourth season in the league, he's actually three and a half months younger than Clifford, who spent six seasons with the Nittany Lions and was their starting quarterback for the last four. JI'AYIR BROWN VYING FOR STARTING JOB Another 2023 draftee, third-round safety Ji'Ayir Brown, is thriving at the start of his pro career. The San Francisco 49ers traded up to take the former Penn Stater with the 87th overall pick, and he has not disappointed. Some media re- ports have even suggested he could be a starter by the time the season begins. If he's not a first-teamer on defense, Brown projects to be used on multiple special teams units during his rookie sea- son. "He's a baller," San Franciso 49ers general manager John Lynch told Sports Illustrated. "I think he's got the compo- nents of what makes up a Niner. We had a consensus, from coaches to scouts, it was all around the building. He really solidified that with this tape, but then he came here on a visit, and he's just got this infectious personality. "I know something has been made about him not running a real fast 40. Our R&D department has some of the fastest times amongst the safety stack, so I think he plays fast. He's good up toward the ball. Ball production, 10 interceptions over the last couple of years." ■ With Sixth Season Approaching, Saquon Barkley Mulls Contract Decision Former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley has been making headlines for all kind of reasons during the NFL offseason. The New York Giants' star posted a video to social media in June that showed him squatting 585 pounds with ease. That feat excited fans of the NFC East franchise. But what has them worried is the fact that Barkley, 26, has not yet signed a franchise tag offer the team tendered to him earlier this year. He does not have a long-term deal with the Giants, and it's not out of the question that he could sit out the season. All told, it all leaves both Barkley and the team in a less-than-ideal situation with training camp quickly approaching. A decision must be made soon on whether or not Barkley will sign the one-year franchise tag that is valued at $10.09 million or potentially hold out of camp and the season. "I think that's a conversation," Barkley said, via NFL.com. "That's a card I could play. That comes up in conversation if something doesn't get done by July 17. … We've got a little bit of time in between there. When that date comes up, then I'll have to sit down with my team, sit down with my family and make decisions, see what we're going to do. What's the next game plan? What's the next move?" Le'Veon Bell was the last high-profile running back to balk at signing a deal and then skip a season. The former Pittsburgh Steeler did so in 2018 and ultimately landed with the New York Jets, where he never regained his All-Pro form. Barkley is undoubtedly aware of the pros and cons when weighing his decision. It would be a surprise if he were to sit out, but he has that option. He has rushed for 4,249 yards and scored 37 total touchdowns in five seasons with the Giants and has said he wants to remain with the franchise. "I came out publicly and have been open about it," Barkley noted. "I said, 'I want to be a Giant for life.' This is where I want to be, and at the end of the day, it's all about respect. That's really what it is. "I can only focus on the little things, and I can focus on the moment. I think I've been vocal before that I'm the type of guy that just lives in the now. Just one day at a time. Now, if that day comes up and I have to sit down and have that conversation, then I would sit down and have that conversation. We'll see what's the best plan for me to do." — Greg Pickel