Brandon Porter plays a variety of positions for undefeated John Curtis, but he hopes to land a scholarship as a running back.
"I really see myself as a running back in college," said Porter. "The main two schools I'm interested in at the moment are LSU and Ole Miss."
Curtis has a plethora of running backs in the stable, and as a result, Porter currently spends the bulk of his time on defense as a hybrid LB/S.
"If we're in the nickel I'll get bumped up to linebacker against running teams, but I'll stay at strong safety against spread teams," he explained.
Porter is second on the team with two interceptions, both of which came in pivotal non-district games vs. top-notch competition.
"Against (defending 4A state champ) Franklinton, they made a big play and then we needed a big play," Porter recalled. "It was raining and wet and the quarterback threw it right to me. I returned it 60 yards inside their 10-yard line to set up a touchdown."
Porter also picked off four-star prospect Darion Monroe of East St. John in Curtis' 27-18 win over the 5A Wildcats. Porter's 30-yard return of that interception led to a crucial Curtis score that put the game on ice.
A few weeks ago, the Patriots celebrated head coach J.T. Curtis' 500th career victory.
"It was exciting being a part of that," said Porter. "We had to get that win for Coach J.T. During the week before the game, (Former NFL RB and Curtis alum) Jonathan Wells showed up to one of our team meetings. He told us that we'll always be Patriots and said we have to redeem ourselves in the Superdome (state finals) against Evangel.
"It was inspiring."
The Patriots lost the last two state title games to Evangel Christian. If Curtis and Evangel meet this year, however, it will be prior to the state finals, as both teams are on the same side of the 2A playoff bracket.