One of the key members of Penn State’s secondary has decided to return for another season.

Christmas Day, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. announced via Twitter that he’ll be returning to State College for the 2022 season. He has been at Penn State for 3 years and has made a huge impact for the Nittany Lions each of the past 2.

“Playing for Penn State University these past 3 seasons has been a gift and an honor,” Porter wrote. “I am grateful to play alongside some of the best players in the country!

“At this time in my life, staying in college and completing my college degree is important to me and my family. After much prayer, and discussion with my parents, I have decided to return to Penn State University.”

Porter has played in all 12 games for Penn State this season. He racked up 49 tackles, broke up 5 passes and recorded an interception during the Nittany Lions’ 7-5 campaign. The team is heading to Tampa to play Arkansas in the Outback Bowl.

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Porter started in 8 of 9 games and tallied 33 stops and 4 pass break-ups.

The news from Porter comes recently after two other defensive backs announced their returns to Penn State. Both Ji’Ayir Brown and Jonathan Sutherland also plan on returning to Happy Valley for the 2022 season.