Ankeny Centennial running back Elijah Porter can change directions quickly on the football field.
Now, Porter has changed directions off the field as well.
The senior has verbally committed to play for Northern Illinois next year. He had previously committed to Northern Iowa in early August.
Porter announced his decision via social media on Monday.
“After a great conversation with @NIUCoachHammock I have received an offer and I am proud to announce my commitment to NIU GO HUSKIES!” he tweeted.
Porter will be reunited with his brother Trey, a former Centennial star who is a redshirt freshman safety at Northern Illinois. Trey has played in all seven games this season, making seven tackles while helping the Huskies to a 3-4 record.
“I’ve been playing football with (Elijah) since we were little so it’s exciting to be able to play football with him again,” said Trey. “I am proud of the way he has been playing, and I tune in every Friday night to watch him play.”
Porter has helped the Jaguars to a 4-4 record. He has rushed for 849 yards and nine touchdowns on 101 carries while catching 12 passes for 170 yards and two more scores.
Porter has rushed for 1,615 yards in his Centennial career. As a junior, he ran 116 times for 766 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Porter also caught 22 passes for 227 yards and another score while helping the Jaguars to a 5-5 mark in 2022. He was named to the all-district second team.