Interview: 2018 California OL Dean Porter Brings Junkyard Dog Fight to Trenches for Sea Kings

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Unless one is lining up opposite of or competing against a guy like Dean Porter, you can’t help but love him. Any football player seeking to knock around the opposition play after play by putting in max effort from the snap of the ball until the whistle is blown immediately draws the eye. Porter instantly draws attention from the stands with his work ethic and is now bringing scouting looks to Palos Verdes Estates as well.

As far as interior linemen go, Porter is that prototypical guy college scouts seek out. At 6-3, 290 pounds, he has the size and nasty streak needed to drive forward the run game while keeping the pocket safe in pass-protection. The want-to is there as well keeping low off the snap of the ball while keeping good balance at the point of contact against defenders. He is also quick footed capable of trapping and pulling getting to the second level under control to eat up unlucky linebackers. Effort in the weight room is noticeable giving credence to being more than a big body with a 340-pound bench press max and 425 on squat.

Porter has made Palos Verdes High School a destination stop for college coaches. The two-time All-League selection has been part of three Bay League Championships and one CIF title run in 2014 when he was a starter for the Sea Kings as a freshman giving amble tape for scouts to view. Teams like Columbia, University of San Diego, St. Xavier, Delaware State, and Rice have him on their board with West Liberty and Presentation College extending offers. Beyond the attributes on the field, Porter has a 3.67 GPA and has scored a 25 on the ACT.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the overlooked Division-III California talent getting the inside scoop on his offseason workouts, abilities on the field, and growing recruiting process.

Interview

Dean, what type of offense do the Sea Kings execute?

“We run a power offense. We run the ball up the gaps. We rarely pass. We just love to hit people.”

How does the offense fit your abilities?

“I’m a bigger guy, I love run blocking. Being able to pancake defenders is one of my favorite things to do.”

Did the coaches keep track of knockdowns or pancake blocks last year?

“Yes, sir. We have a running competition each season. The winner gets an all you can eat pancake breakfast. Last year I think around 50 pancakes, we did not keep track of knockdowns. So far this year, I had 13 against Westchester and eight against Cabrillo-Long Beach. I think I have 21 total this year.”

What did you work on in the offseason to prepare for your senior year?

“This offseason was all pass blocking. I worked with an old USC lineman and I worked at Jesse Sapaolu’s (San Francisco 49ers) Men In The Trenches camps.”

How has your game improved from last year through the first two games of the season?

“I have been staying lower which is allowing me to get more pancakes. I am more aggressive off the ball this year.”

Which areas of your game are you continuing to fine-tune even during the season?

“All linemen need to stay low – I run through the chutes to keep working on staying low. I like getting the extra work in when we do pass the ball in practice and in games.”

You are a multifaceted lineman capable of playing all over the line, where all will we see you play this season?

“The first two games of the season I was mostly at center. I am going to guard for the rest of the season. Really, anywhere the team needs me I will play.”

Are you pretty good with your snaps at center?

“Yeah. They have gotten better. I started playing center three weeks ago. It was rough at first but my snaps are almost perfect now.”

Of all the positions, which do you like best?

“Guard is my favorite.”

With all of the interest and offers you have, have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to Humboldt State, UC-Davis, San Luis Obispo, University of San Diego, and Azusa Pacific.”

Do you have any unofficial or official visits planned for this fall?

“No official visits yet. I have an unofficial to San Diego in two weeks.”

Back to the field – the next three games are tough outings for the Sea Kings; Narbonne, San Clemente, and Newbury Park. On Friday night, you guys host Narbonne (Harbor City), what kind of challenges do the Gauchos bring to the game for your team?

“They are big, athletic, and well coached. We have to do what we do well and run the ball at them.”

How do you prepare each week for each opponent?

“I love to look at the guys I am going against on film. Our defensive tackles give me a look in practice at what I will see in a game. They are always helping me out preparing for each game.”

Is there a game or two on the schedule you are really excited to play after Narbonne?

“Mira Costa (Oct. 27). They beat us last year (21-20).”

What aspect of your game are proudest of at this point in your career?

“My run blocking, aggressiveness, and I finish each play.”

Dean, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Narbonne.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: pvfootball.com; No. 78 Dean Porter in action