In Mobile, Alabama, when the Pittsburgh Steelers chose cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State as the 32nd pick in last year’s NFL Draft, they garnered new supporters in State College, Pa. Former teammates Kalen King and Johnny Dixon, who spent much of their free time last fall cheering for their friend Porter, now aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Porter set a record as the highest-drafted cornerback in Penn State’s history. While King and Dixon may not hear their names called as early as Porter did, they aim for success in the NFL at the same position. Both players decided to attend this year’s Senior Bowl, representing the National team in the upcoming game on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Reflecting on the experience, King emphasized the valuable lessons learned and the opportunity to compete against the country’s top talent, providing crucial insights into what lies ahead in their NFL careers. Observing Porter’s performance for the Steelers and engaging in discussions with their friend has given King and Dixon a solid understanding of the requirements for playing in the NFL.
Dixon noted Porter’s proficiency as an outside, shutdown corner, while expressing his own versatility in being able to move around and operate both inside and outside the box. King, who started opposite Porter in 2022, highlighted their preparation at Penn State, playing primarily in a man-to-man defense, a rarity in college football.
Dixon, confident in his versatility, mentioned his readiness to cover inside or outside and execute blitzing, skills honed during his college career. Both players draw inspiration from watching Porter’s successful rookie season, where he was a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, allowing only 24 receptions on 53 targets and maintaining a low passer rating when targeted.
As the draft process unfolds, King and Dixon remain optimistic about their potential contributions, hoping to emulate Porter’s impact on the Steelers’ defense. The Senior Bowl experience has played a crucial role in their preparation for the next level.
In another development, Sione Vaki from Utah showcased exceptional versatility at the Senior Bowl, initially working out with the safeties but also spending time at running back and wide receiver. Vaki’s multifaceted skills were evident in his college career, contributing significantly on both defense and offense. He expressed the belief that versatility holds value in the eyes of NFL teams, serving as a means to secure opportunities.
Despite being a redshirt sophomore, Vaki’s decision to forego another college season is driven by personal challenges, including the loss of his mother to ovarian cancer. He aims to demonstrate his readiness for the NFL, emphasizing a willingness to contribute in various roles, including special teams.
In a notable speed-related update, Carlton Johnson, a cornerback from Fresno State, emerged as the fastest player at this year’s Senior Bowl, reaching a top speed of 22.17 miles per hour. This achievement stands as the second-fastest time recorded at the Senior Bowl since the introduction of speed tracking in 2018.
