Visit exceeded Porter's expectations
California wide receiver Geordon Porter knew little about the Vols before arriving in Knoxville this weekend. Porter knew no one with the Tennessee program before offensive coordinator Tyson Helton and the Vol staff called with an offer.
After spending the weekend on Rocky Top, Porter left impressed.
“Tennessee exceeded my expectations,” Porter said. “Actually there is a lot of stuff here. The people are really nice here. It's just a great experience overall.
“Interacting with the players stood out. They are cool guys. They have a great coaching staff. Coach Pruitt, coach Helton and his offense. I liked his offense at USC. Great facilities and a great big stadium.”
On Sunday morning before leaving Knoxville, the 6-foot-2, 180-pound receiver got to meet new receivers coach David Johnson, who was hired on Saturday.
“He's a good guy,” Porter said. “He came in and told me what he likes to do and the things he will try to do. At Memphis, he was really successful. He said he liked fast receivers. It should be a good connection.”
Porter admits getting to know a new coach with a couple of weeks left in the recruiting process isn't easy, but he left Knoxville feeling good about Johnson.
“It's hard, but at the same time I caught a good vibe with him,” Porter offered. “He seemed like a good coach and a guy I could play with and be able to have him coach me.”
Jeremy Pruitt's message to Porter was simple. The first year head coach needs help.
“Coach Pruitt said he needed playmakers at receiver,” Porter said. “He needs guys who are fast and strong. He needs those type of players who can bring Tennessee a national championship.”
Porter has one official visit remaining which he will take in a couple of weeks to either UCLA, Oregon State, Iowa State, Florida or Texas A&M. After his weekend in Knoxville, the former Notre Dame commitment said the Vols are definitely a factor in his decision.
“They are one of the top schools for sure. When ever it comes down to choosing a school it's going to be a really tough decision. It's a great school.
“Distance doesn't matter at all. Where ever I can be successful at I'm going to go there.”
Porter was hosted by Marquez Callaway.