Gridiron Football Top 300: Ashton Porter

Ashton Porter is a Class of 2023 Defensive End for Cy Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas. Ashton’s build at 6’4” 235 lbs., makes him nearly impossible to block for opposing offensive linemen. To even have a chance in games, most offenses have to throw a double team at him. However, this doesn’t seem to make a difference as Porter still makes an impact on the game, this can be seen through his 11.5 tackles for loss. (TFL) His greatness on the field was recognized by his district as he was unanimous 1^st Team All-District in only his Sophomore season. Ashton may be quite talented on the field, but his talent in the classroom can’t go unnoticed as he has a 3.4 GPA. With Ashton Porter recently being rated a 4-star, he is a player you will want to look out for now in his high school career and at the collegiate level.

Watch Ashton’s highlights HERE.

Why did you choose to play football and when did you start? I started when I was 5, the reason I wanted to play is because I was inspired by Larry Fitzgerald.

What life skills has football taught you over time? Football has taught me to not take anything for granted, team building skills, and how to work in a team.

Would you consider yourself a speed rusher, power rusher, or a run stopper? Speed rusher, I know how to use my moves and speed to get past defenders.

What’s your go to favorite move to get past offensive lineman? Push pull, I come up to the lineman, if he opens up his chest and push and pull him till I get free.

What technique do you prefer to line up in? I like to line up in a 5 technique.

Do you see yourself as more of a hard-hitting tackler, or a conservative one? I see myself more as a conservative tackler.

What do you look for pre snap? I look at the offensive lineman is and where his eyes are and how he’s going to adjust.

What defensive scheme would best utilize your talents? 3-4, I know how to fight double teams.

What current or past player, do you think your game mirrors the most? Chase young, but my favorite player is Cameron Jordan.

How has throwing discus and running the 200m/200 relay made you a better pass rusher? the 200 really helped me with my get off and staying low coming off the ball, while discus has taught me good footwork and how to step back.

Does your jersey number (90) hold any significance to you? So, in 6^th grade they changed my number to 90 used to be 21, had and liked it ever since then.

What advantages do you gain with your build? I feel like I already know what the player in front of me is going to do. I’m also very strong and that allows me to beat offensive lineman off the ball.

What your favorite pre-game song to listen to? I don’t have a specific song, but I just listen to Lil baby.

In your opinion, what is the best aspect of your game? I’m a universal player, I have skills in my speed, hands, and footwork.

I saw you were recently rated/upgraded to a 4 star, what does that mean to you? I feel shocked, it means a lot to me, only a few 4-5 stars in my family.

How did Covid-19 impact your sophomore season? It helped, we got more work in to get better in the weight room and understanding plays. team had the opportunity to bond more.

I know you were 1^st team all-district last season, do you have any goals set to repeat or any other ones? DMVP of the district.

At the end of the day, who is someone you look up to? I look up to my dad, he sacrificed a lot for me, moved things around to get what I need.

Describe a time where you were going through adversity, how did you get through it? I had a strained calf, had to sit out 2 for two games, I got through it by focusing and by supporting my teammates.

Finally, what are colleges going to get out of Ashton Porter? A respectable young man, who stays on top of his books and a hard worker.