After being left off the Associated Press’ preseason All-American grouping nearly two months ago, Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has silenced the doubters just six matchups into his redshirt junior campaign.

On Wednesday, Porter earned a spot on the AP midseason All-American squad as the lone player in the defensive back-labeled category. Additionally, Porter stands as the only Big Ten cornerback to warrant the honor.

The group, assembled by AP Top-25 voters, nabbed seven other Big Ten players to the midseason distinction, headlined by Michigan running back Blake Corum. While Porter failed to see his fair share of action in the secondary last week against the Wolverines, the redshirt junior defender is currently in the midst of a career season in Happy Valley.

Through six contests, Porter ranks second nationally with 10 individual pass breakups. Moreover, the Pittsburgh product has also picked up 21 total tackles and one fumble recovery for Terry Smith’s talented position group on the outside.

With Porter’s leadership presence and production in the Nittany Lions’ defensive back room, the rangy defender’s NFL Draft stock has only skyrocketed since the campaign’s commencement. Currently, NFLDraftBuzz.com has Porter slotted as the No. 1 cornerback in the upcoming 2023 draft cycle.

Following a disappointing 41-17 manhandling at the hands of Michigan last Saturday, Porter and the Nittany Lions will attempt to bounce back this week against Minnesota. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 in Beaver Stadium’s annual White Out spectacle.