“I feel pretty powerful right now,” Porter said. 

by Bo Marchionte
Published May 22, 2024, 02:41 PM

Pittsburgh, PA – There were a couple noticeably different things about Joey Porter Jr. during OTAs. The first was his short hair cut and leaving the middle length dreads cut off. The second most notable thing about Porter was the added bulk.

Starting 11 games for the Steelers during his rookie season last year, the second-year defensive back has spent more time in the weight room and it’s evident by the way he appears. 

“A little bit,” Porter said about adding the extra muscle. “I’ve been hitting the weight room. A little bit. Yeah. Got a little stronger over the offseason so you can see it. Yeah, feel good. I feel pretty powerful right now.”

Watching practice, the bulked-up frame on Porter looked more aggressive, for as aggressive one can be in shorts and no pads. It just looks like Porter is poised to not allow that extra time spent in the weight room to go unused once the season comes around. 

“Probably about five pounds,” Porter said in the amount he has gained. “I’m really trying to play at 205 this year. So that’s what I’m shooting for. I always fluctuate because of the long season. I’ll be like198 to two (hundred).”

Porter said he feels he can be more physical in the run game and that bolds well the talented cornerback. With the already given length of his game the added muscle should add another wrinkle to his game.

Porter finished his rookie season with 43 tackles (32 solo). With the added weight and attitude of physicality, expect an uptick in his run support production. 

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com