Weber State defensive end Porter Small earned Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week honors following a two-overtime win against Cal Poly, according to a report published October 8.
The sophomore's performance highlights a period of improvement for the Wildcats defense, which is working to build longer stretches of success despite facing injuries and youthful roster challenges.
Small recorded five total tackles in the victory over Cal Poly, including three sacks and four tackles for a loss. Two of those sacks were described as gamechanging plays.
In the final minutes of regulation, Small sacked Cal Poly quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. to push the Mustangs out of field goal range, allowing Weber State to convert a field goal and force overtime. During the second overtime, Small recorded a 10-yard loss on a sack of Grigsby on third-and-9.
Defensive coordinator and safeties coach Gavin Fowler stated that Small's breakout was expected after observing his work ethic during spring camp. Fowler noted that Small continued to work hard in "the pit" even while recovering from a shoulder injury.
Fowler said that while the defense has given up 39 points per game over the last two contests, the unit is seeing more "green" on the coaching staff's goal sheet, indicating they are meeting more defensive objectives than in previous games.
Small, a 6-foot-4 native of Springville, has had a varied path to Division I football. He served a two-year mission in Florida and spent one year grayshirting at BYU before playing as a backup at Weber State last season, where he recorded six tackles in nine games.
Weber State holds a 3-3 overall record and is 2-1 in the Big Sky Conference. The Wildcats will host Idaho and Idaho State in consecutive weeks for their next two home games, with both contests scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m.
