Quinn Porter Interview

Running Back – Stillman

By: Alex Khvatov

1/26/10
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Quinn Porter:  My height is 5’11”, weight is 205 and I ran a low 4.5.

Alex Khvatov:  How did you get into football in the first place?

Quinn Porter:  Back in 1994, we moved to Lancaster, California from Los Angeles.  I saw a football application and I told my mom that I wanted to play flag football.  I have been playing football ever since.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Quinn Porter:   Hawaii, Humboldt State and a lot of the Cal State schools.  I wanted to go to USC.  They came and watched me practice.  Unfortunately my academic career didn’t match my athletic career.

Alex Khvatov:  How did you end up at Stillman?

Quinn Porter:  I actually was recruited by Stillman at the end of the summer.  My mentor at Lancaster, California helped me with that.  It was a big change for me going to the South.  They never offered me coming of high school.  I didn’t get a scholarship.  I was an academic qualifier.  I was a walk-on.  They offered me a scholarship my second year.   

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your senior season to us.

Quinn Porter:  It was a little overwhelming.  I actually wasn’t going to come back for my senior year.  I was going to join UNGL development league.  It is a developmental league for the NFL.  I was drafted by the Georgia Stallions, one of the teams in that league.  The league didn’t start up.  We had a new coach coming in at Stillman.  I was mad that he didn’t give me a call.  I was the leading player coming back.  I was going to cut my college short and go to the NFL.  Then he called me and told me to get out of that league.  He told me that he can get me the right publicity, so I could get to the NFL.  I came back.  I was a part-time student in the spring of 2009.  Then I came back for my last collegiate semester in the fall.  It turned out great.  I was a First-Team All-Conference.  I was an honorable mention All-American.  I gained over 1,200 yards on the ground and scored 11 TD’s.  I had a brilliant season.  My head coach calling me was a blessing after all.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your football career up to this point?

Quinn Porter:  My first year, they had me at WR.  I didn’t even dress through my first four games.  My coach told me that I wasn’t consistent enough catching the ball.  I went to my coach and asked him to give me a chance at RB.  My coach called me during practice, and I scored on my first play against our starting defense.  I have been starting at RB ever since then.  I also remember scoring four TD’s in the homecoming game.  My whole freshman year was memorable.      

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your HBCU Bowl experience.

Quinn Porter:  It was exciting.  I came in there not knowing what to expect.  It was my first collegiate level bowl game.  I was happy to be a part of it.  A lot of the prospects didn’t run their forties.  I took advantage of the scouts that were there, and I ran my forty.  I had a chance to start that game.  I did good.  I did my part.  It was all about practice.  I gave it 150%.  It was fun.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

Quinn Porter:  My vision, quickness, football knowledge and instincts.  I make every inch count.  Every time I get the ball, I want to score.  I am non-stop.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon?

Quinn Porter:  I can’t say anything bad about myself.  I am a student of the game, but I want to learn more.  I need to do a better job reading defenses.  A little more knowledge would help in that area.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Quinn Porter:  The Cowboys.  They are America’s team.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Quinn Porter:  Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.  I like guys that lead their teams.  I am also a team player and a leader.

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your teammate DE Junior Gallette.

Quinn Porter:  He is a beast.  He is a hard worker.  He is me on defense.  He is a baller.  He is a leader.  He shows real emotion and spirit.  I would die for him.  He is my friend.  He is like a brother to me.  

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about playing football?

Quinn Porter:  It is a rush.  I like to get the ball in my hands with all eyes looking at me.  Once your number is called, you have to take full advantage of it.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Quinn Porter:  I hang out with friends and girls.  I am single right now.  I am just chilling.  I play basketball.  I have a younger player who will be coming out this year.  He is a QB.  I am being a role model to my brother.  He can swing that thing.  His name is Cash Oliver.  He has the arm that is out of this world.  I would compare his arm to Brett Favre.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Quinn Porter:  I want to start an acupuncture business.  My major is kinesiology.  I am all about the human body.  I want to be able to rehabilitate people.  The whole Haiti disaster touched me.  I know that I want to help people.  I want to give back.  You have to give back in order to receive.

Alex Khvatov:  Is the NFL a dream or a reality at this point?

Quinn Porter:  It is both.  It is something that I plan to do for the next 12-15 years.  I am still waiting to get there.  I am patient.  I am doing my part, and my agent is doing his.   

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft?

Quinn Porter:  I will be training in Atlanta.  I will be there next month.  I am working on my skills.  I am in the weight room right now working on getting stronger.  I am working on my speed.  I am perfecting my craft.

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Quinn Porter is....

Quinn Porter:  A hard worker on the field and a role model off-the-field.  He leads by example.  He is all about full throttle.  He is ready.