Football: Permian’s Porter commits to Texas

Permian offensive lineman Garrett Porter made his decision on where to play college football during the weekend when he gave a verbal commitment to the University of Texas.

Porter, who made his decision Sunday at Texas’ Junior Day, was one of five recruits to commit to the Longhorns. Verbal commitments are nonbonding, and players who will be seniors this fall cannot sign letters of intent until February 2009.

Porter, a 6-foot-5, 293-pound junior, was ready end the recruiting process as quickly as possible.

“It takes the weight off my shoulders,” Porter said of committing so early. “It’s kind of like a contract for us as players. If they want to get another player from this town or this high school, they’re not going to turn you away unless something happens. I don’t plan on getting hurt or doing anything wrong, but it’s nice having that backing me up.”

Porter has started all 26 Permian games during the past two seasons, and the Panthers are 21-5 and have made consecutive appearances in the third round of the playoffs. He was a first-team selection on the Associated Press Sports Editors Class 5A all-state team and a second-team pick on the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 5A all-state team.

If he does sign with Texas, Porter will be the first Permian player to do so since wide receiver Roy Williams in 2000. Williams now plays for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League.

Permian on Wednesday had 12 seniors from the 2007 team commit to play college football.

Porter, who was targeted by college programs even as a sophomore, said watching his teammates go through the process helped.

“We kind of figured out who was interested in me and what I liked,” Porter said. “I’ve always liked Texas, being from here. I guess it’s every little kid’s dream to want to play for Texas.”