DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Darien Porter went to Iowa State with big goals in 2019.
“At the time I wanted to be their next great receiver, you know with the likes of Allen Lazard and Hakeem Butler” said Porter.
After three years of playing mostly on special teams, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell had a different vision for Porter asking him to change from wide receiver to defensive back.
“It was tough at first but I had a teammate T.J. Tampa who just got drafted last year did the same switch and saw a lot of success.”
Porter spent two more seasons mostly playing special teams, never wavering on his commitment to the Cyclones.
“I pledged my allegiances to coach Campbell I wanted to be apart of changing the trajectory of Iowa State and you know that’s what I believed in, that’s what my mission was and I wanted to stick it out.”
After 5 years of dedication, Porter finally earned a starting role.
“I knew that if I just kept working and trying to perfect my craft and everything that everything would kind of come full circle.”
Porter’s knowledge of the receiver position, makes him a better defensive back.
“I can pickup on things that receivers and offenses are doing you know that some defensive players may not really be able to pickup on.”
Porter’s length at 6 foot 3 combined with his incredible speed is what left scouts drooling at the NFL combine. Porter ran a 4.3 forty
“I wanted to run in the 4.2’s in the 40 which I was close you know but I’ll take the 4.30 but you know everything else I just wanted to set some PR’s and almost across the board you know that was the case.”
His marks at the combine were remarkable leaving some draft experts to have mocks with Porter being taken as high as the first round.
“It’s gonna be emotional for sure these dreams seem further or closer to within reach just with the ups and downs of a college career and you know it’s going to be really nice to know that you know I didn’t waste six years, yeah I got my degree and everything but my dream is to play in the NFL.”
He only played one season as a starter at Iowa State but for Darien Porter, the best is yet to come.
“As I’m still learning, it’s only going to improve like I haven’t even played my best football yet.”
The NFL Draft will take place April 24th-26th in Green Bay. Porter plans to watch at home in Bettendorf with family and friends.
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