Quincy Porter didn't shy away from representing Ohio State while playing in Northeast Ohio last Friday.
Back in the Buckeye State for the first time since he committed to Ohio State in June, Porter helped lead Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) to a 35-21 win over Massillon Washington, who won the Ohio Division II state championship in 2023.
Given that it was a rain-soaked night, Porter made the most of his limited opportunities, totaling six catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. With Massillon's defense focused on him throughout much of the game, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound wide receiver had to work hard to get open. He did just that on a 56-yard touchdown when he was able to get open with a sluggo concept that allowed Porter to get behind the opposing cornerback for a wide-open touchdown.
Quincy Porter with a 56-yard touchdown reception on fourth-and-4 for Bergen Catholic. pic.twitter.com/c5FLk5AG6X
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) September 6, 2024
Even when Porter didn't have the ball in his hands, he still continued to find ways to make an impact. With Bergen Catholic's top two running backs combining for 48 carries for 264 yards and three touchdowns, the duo got the ball throughout much of the game. The weather meant that Porter had to make an impact in the running game, and he did just that, showcasing his ability to block downfield and free up the rushing attack.
Quincy Porter with an excellent downfield block. pic.twitter.com/Warog1TMdP
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) September 6, 2024
"Well, in general for me, I say it's all parts of the game. No matter what level you are, just always try to get better," Porter said about perfecting his craft. "(Blocking downfield is) a big part of our program. Receivers got to block, and I expect that Ohio State receivers got to block there, too."
Even though Ohio State was playing the next day, Brian Hartline made the trip 120 miles northeast of Columbus to watch Porter along with Tim Walton, who was there to watch Bergen Catholic four-star 2026 cornerback Jordan Thomas, an Ohio State target.
"He's definitely going to be my future coach, so being able to play in front of him is big," Porter said of Hartline. "We're speaking a lot, having good conversations."
Two games into this season, Porter has 12 catches for 216 yards and two touchdowns, looking to continue to his dominance from his junior year (41 receptions, 969 yards and 16 touchdowns) and sophomore season (35 catches, 686 yards, 11 touchdowns). He knows defenses will continue focusing on stopping him as he faces a tough schedule that includes a matchup with fellow New Jersey power Don Bosco Prep later this month.
While Porter always planned to make his college decision during the summer prior to his senior season, he's grateful he did because being done with that step of the process allows him to relax, focus on football and try and help Bergen Catholic win its fourth straight state championship.
"Good, definitely more relaxing," he said of being done with the recruiting process. "You have time to focus on my senior season, and really focus on what I'm going to do this year. I'm trying to get another state championship for my team."
Once his season is over, he plans to visit Ohio State for the Michigan game on Nov. 30.
With a freshman like Jeremiah Smith already showcasing his stardom as a Buckeye two games into his college career, Porter sees the potential to play immediately for Ohio State in 2025. That said, he's just focusing on improving all aspects of his game and letting the process play out there.
"That's definitely," Porter said of seeing Smith make an immediate impact. "But I'm still going in and it's like, just do my job, do what I need to do, and let how my performance plays itself for me."
He'll be ready to start his Ohio State career quickly after his final high school season ends, as Porter will be an early enrollee in January.
"Yeah, I already have most of the stuff handled," he said of enrolling early. "So, we're good."
