Aug. 16, 2010
Video interviews with Porter, Phillips and Turner
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Elliott Porter, a defensive tackle from Waggaman, La., who earned All-America honors at Archbishop Shaw High School, has joined the Kentucky football team and began practicing with the Wildcats Monday afternoon.
Porter originally signed with LSU in February, but the Tigers had too many signees qualify and released him from his scholarship. After a couple of whirlwind weeks that featured scholarship offers from numerous schools, including visits to UK, Oregon and Texas A&M, Porter cast his lot with the Cats.
“I’m excited about getting a player of this quality at this time of year, especially a defensive lineman in August,” Coach Joker Phillips said. “Elliott is a big, strong physical guy who plays hard and takes control of his position. He’s a great kid, really smart and has great character. I’m excited to have him join our football family.”
“Kentucky has a really good coaching staff,” said Porter, when asked of his decision. “I loved the school and the players (when I visited). There’s a family atmosphere here.”
Here is a biography on Porter:
Elliott Porter, Defensive Tackle, 6-4, 290, Fr-HS, Waggaman, La. (Archbishop Shaw) – All-America selection as chosen by SuperPrep magazine, which also named him the No. 6 overall prospect in Louisiana … The nation’s No. 35 defensive tackle by Scout.com … No. 24 nationally by Rivals.com, which listed him as an offensive guard … Four-year letterman and three-year starter at Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero, La. … Helped the Eagles to a four-year record of 45-11, including trips to the state finals in Class AAAA in his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons … Primarily played at defensive end at Shaw … Totaled 65 tackles as a senior after missing the first five games of the season because of an injury … Best year came as a junior when he notched 85 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback sacks … Coached by Scott Bairnsfather … Played in the Offense-Defense All-America Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., following his senior season … Was a teammate of current Wildcat freshman Jerrell Priester in the All-America Bowl … Also threw the discus for the track and field team, advancing to the state meet his junior year … Honor-roll student.
Personal: Born in Marrero, La. … Son of Elliott and Rhea Porter … Has two cousins who played college football, Ralph Norwood at LSU and Hilton Armstrong at Iowa … Planning a major in business.
