Penn State has seen multiple NFL draft picks out of its cornerbacks room under James Franklin, and the team’s famous “block-six” was made in part by a cornerback, too.
Thus, there’s many options at the position while creating a Franklin-era all-time Penn State team. Here’s how I’d order them.
First team: Joey Porter Jr. (2019-22), Amani Oruwariye (2014-18)
After an All-American 2022 season, Joey Porter Jr. nearly became the program’s first-ever cornerback to be selected in Round 1 of the draft. Instead, he was taken with Pick 1 of Round 2 in 2023. Porter took a long journey to get to that moment.
During his redshirt sophomore campaign, Porter played well to start the season, but he was a liability toward the end of the season as he totaled 10 penalties on the year.
However, after an offseason of work, Porter was much more of a lockdown corner in 2022. After registering six pass break ups on 14 targets against Purdue, Porter was only thrown at 16 more times for the rest of the season.
Due to a lack of targets, Porter never had a chance to rack up interceptions, but one of his predecessors did. Amani Oruwariye tallied eight interceptions throughout his career, including his overtime game-winning pick against Appalachian State in 2018.
The Tampa, Florida, native finished his career as a two-time All-Big Ten selection, totaling 106 tackles and 22 pass break ups.
Oruwariye’s ball skills added intrigue during the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was taken in Round 5 to the Detroit Lions. He had a solid stint with the Lions, but in 2021, he had the third-most interceptions in the league with six. Those instincts as a ball hawk can be traced back to his days in the blue and white.
Second team: Kalen King (2021-23), Johnny Dixon (2021-23)
Fans might remember Kalen King for his lackluster 2023 season, which is one of the reasons why he dropped from a projected Round 1 pick to getting drafted during Round 7 in 2024.
Penn State football players sing the alma mater together after the 2025 Blue-White Game at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The White team beat the Blue team 10-8.
Samantha Oropeza
However, King’s 2022 year was one to remember as he was a productive piece opposite of Porter. The Cass Technical High School product recorded 18 pass break ups, three interceptions and allowed a 48.9 passer rating when targeted.
Joining King in the second team is one of his teammates, Johnny Dixon, who was as versatile as it comes for a defensive back. During his Penn State career, Dixon accumulated 59 tackles, 15 pass break ups, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Dixon flew all around the field with his speed, allowing former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to get creative with him, such as his 2022 strip sack versus Ohio State when he came off the edge.
Third team: A.J. Harris (2024-present), Grant Haley (2014-17)
Transferring in from Georgia, A.J. Harris took full advantage of the opportunity given in Year 1 with the Nittany Lions. Harris earned All-Big Ten third-team honors after notching 48 tackles, five pass break ups and an interception.
Heading into his junior year, the expectations are high for Harris. Multiple outlets project him as a 2026 first round pick, such as ESPN’s way-too-early mock draft that has him pegged at No. 18 overall to the Minnesota Vikings.
Coming to the last spot on this team, it’s practically a necessity that it goes to Grant Haley. He returned the well-known blocked field goal for a touchdown against Ohio State in 2016, which is one of the most important plays during Franklin’s tenure in Happy Valley.
Furthermore, Haley was a reliable cornerback outside of that one play as well. The Atlanta native was tallied 133 tackles, 23 pass break ups and five interceptions throughout his career.
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Former Penn State offensive lineman Tom Rafferty died on Thursday. He was 70 years old.
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