Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 08:29

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STACKING SACKS
USF leans on defense as offense struggles in close battle with Army
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Saturday November 27, 2027 | 1:30PM | Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida - On a day when USF’s offense never found the end zone, the Bulls instead leaned on a ferocious pass rush, a timely special teams touchdown, and the reliable right leg of Nico Gramatica to grind out a 16–7 win over Army at Raymond James Stadium.

It was the first time this season that the Bulls were held without an offensive touchdown, but it hardly mattered. The defense delivered its most dominant performance of the year, piling up nine sacks and forcing Army quarterback Brandon Tennison into uncomfortable throws and desperate scrambles all afternoon. Tennison dropped back far more than expected against USF’s front and the Bulls made him pay for every decision.

The turning point came midway through the second quarter. With Army lining up for a field goal that could have tied the game at 3–3, Danny Felton knifed through the protection, blocked the kick cleanly, scooped the ball, and sprinted 59 yards the other way for a momentum-shifting touchdown. The stadium erupted as Felton crossed the goal line, giving USF a 10–0 lead and all the energy it needed.

“That was huge. Absolutely huge,” head coach DJ Porter said. “When the offense is sputtering, somebody’s got to make a play and our defense and special teams were unbelievable today.”

Gramatica added three field goals, including a smooth 33-yarder to open the scoring and a clutch 23-yarder with just over a minute left to seal the win. But his afternoon wasn’t perfect. Early in the fourth quarter, with USF leading 13–0, he pushed a 31-yard attempt wide from the left hash.

“Maybe we take a delay there to help the angle,” special teams coordinator Chad Creamer admitted afterward. “That one’s on us to get lined up better.”

Army capitalized on the miss immediately. On the very next possession, Tennison hit Trevor Ford on a deep 53-yard strike, trimming the deficit to 13–7 and injecting tension into a game USF had largely controlled.

“They just tricked us there and they made a great play.” USF DC Tony White said of the splash play.

From that point forward Porter’s team steadied itself, leaning into a conservative, methodical approach that prioritized ball security over explosiveness.

“We expect more out of our offense. We know that,” Porter said. “But we didn’t turn the ball over, we sustained drives, and we put Nico in position to get points. Today, we owe this one to the defense, no question, but I’m proud of the discipline.”

Quarterback Locklan Hewlett finished 17 of 25 for 150 yards, modest numbers as the Army defense routinely doubled Tyler Williams. Hewlett's performance was still enough to push him past 3,000 passing yards on the season, a milestone that reflects his consistency even on quieter afternoons. Running backs Nicholas Daniel and Steven Snead provided efficient bursts on the ground, combining for 92 yards on 17 carries.

But the story was the defense.

DiNellson Exume wrecked Army’s protection schemes with four sacks, bringing his season total to 12.5, while Ira Singleton and Marlon Doyle added two apiece. Army finished with just 26 rushing yards including 20 carries by Tennison that totaled -1 yard. USF’s front seven lived in the backfield, swallowing option looks and forcing the Black Knights into third-and-long after third-and-long.

The Bulls were not perfect. They allowed the lone explosive play that kept Army alive in the fourth quarter, and the offense left points on the field. But they played clean, controlled football, won the turnover battle, and closed out a game that could have tightened late.

And as Porter emphasized, style points don’t matter in November.

“Just find a way,” he said. “It’s not always pretty. Today the defense was lights out, and that’s why we’re walking out of here with a win.”

USF wraps the regular season with a 10-2 record overall and a 7-1 mark in American Conference games. The win gives them a spot in the conference championship game where they will await Tulane, Rice or North Texas.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
(USF) Nico Gramatica 33-yard FG, 3:04
Second Quarter
(USF) Danny Felton 59-yard blocked field goal return (Nico Gramatica kick), 2:20
Third Quarter
(USF) Nico Gramatica 25-yard FG, 4:30
Fourth Quarter
(ARMY) Trevor Ford 53-yard pass from Brandon Tennison (Dawson Jones kick), 4:11
(USF) Nico Gramatica 23-yard FG, 1:03
USF Stat Leaders
Passing
L. Hewlett – 17/25, 150 Yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing
N. Daniel – 11 Car, 57 Yds, 5.1 Avg, Long 0 (16 YAC)
S. Snead – 6 Car, 35 Yds, 5.8 Avg, Long 0 (18 YAC)
T. McLaughlin – 2 Car, 9 Yds, 4.5 Avg
G. Shembo – 4 Car, 9 Yds, 2.2 Avg (5 YAC)
T. Chancellor – 1 Car, 2 Yds, 2.0 Avg
L. Hewlett – 1 Car, -9 Yds, -9.0 Avg
Receiving
T. Williams – 8 Rec, 74 Yds, 9.2 Avg, Long 14 (48 RAC)
D. Zipperer – 3 Rec, 30 Yds, 10.0 Avg, Long 14 (25 RAC)
D. Troup – 3 Rec, 27 Yds, 9.0 Avg, Long 16 (9 RAC)
J. Bridgewater – 2 Rec, 14 Yds, 7.0 Avg, Long 8 (7 RAC)
K. Michaels – 1 Rec, 5 Yds, 5.0 Avg, Long 5
Defense
E. Rance – 9 Tkl, 1 TFL
I. Guy – 5 Tkl, 1 INT (17 Yds)
C. Hawkins – 4 Tkl, 1 TFL
D. McCormick – 4 Tkl, 1 TFL
D. Exume – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL, 4.0 Sck
I. Singleton – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL, 2.0 Sck, 1 FF
M. Doyle – 3 Tkl, 2 TFL, 2.0 Sck
C. Harbor – 1 Tkl, 1 TFL, 1.0 Sck
D. Felton – 2 Tkl, 1 FR (59 Yds), TD
J. Grant – 3 Tkl, 1 TFL
Special Teams
N. Gramatica – 3/4 FG (Long 34), 1/1 XP
D. McSurdy – 2 Punts, 98 Yds (49.0 Avg), Long 48
E. York – 1 KR, 20 Yds (20.0 Avg), Long 20
D. Igbinoghene – 1 KR, 20 Yds (20.0 Avg), Long 20
Army Stat Leaders
Passing
B. Tennison – 7/14, 144 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing
T. Tremba – 6 Car, 21 Yds, 3.5 Avg, Long 0 (4 YAC)
R. Jesiolowski – 4 Car, 6 Yds, 1.5 Avg, Long 0
B. Tennison – 20 Car, -1 Yds, -0.0 Avg, 1 Fumb, Long 0 (10 YAC)
Receiving
L. Zimmerman – 3 Rec, 61 Yds, 20.3 Avg, Long 30
T. Ford – 1 Rec, 53 Yds, 53.0 Avg, 1 TD, Long 53
G. Cline – 2 Rec, 28 Yds, 14.0 Avg, Long 14
R. Jesiolowski – 1 Rec, 2 Yds, 2.0 Avg, Long 2
T. Tremba – 0 Rec, 0 Yds, long 0 (1 drop)
Defense
T. Jackson – 13 Tkl, 2 TFL, 1 Sck
J. Boatwright Jr. – 9 Tkl, 1 TFL
C. LaVallee – 9 Tkl, 2 TFL
Q. Taylor Jr. – 7 Tkl, 1 TFL
R. Tabor – 6 Tkl
D. Ogordi – 4 Tkl
T. Farmer – 4 Tkl
J. Marable – 3 Tkl
M. Moses – 2 Tkl
P. Komar – 2 Tkl
J. Bennett – 2 Tkl, 1 TFL
M. Wilder – 2 Tkl
A. White Jr. – 2 Tkl
Special Teams
D. Jones – 1/1 XP
M. Aviles – 4 Punts, 175 Yds, 43.7 Avg, Long 47, Net 32.5
J. McDougle – 2 PR, 10 Yds (5.0 Avg), Long 10
Team Stats Comparison
CategoryUSFArmy
Score167
First Downs148
Total Offense253170
Total Plays5044
Yards Per Play5.13.9
Rush | Yards | TD25|103|030|26|0
Yards Per Rush4.10.9
Comp | Att | TD17|25|07|14|1
Yards Per Pass6.010.3
Passing Yards150144
3rd Down Conv.2|9 (22%)1|10 (10%)
4th Down Conv.0|1 (0%)1|4 (25%)
2 Pt Conv.0|0 (0%)0|0 (0%)
Red Zone TD | FG | %0|3|50%0|0|0%
Turnovers0 (+1)2
Fumbles Lost01
Interceptions01
PR Yards4310
KR Yards400
Total Yards336180
Punts (Avg)49.043.8
Penalties1|100|0
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 08:45

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USF POSTGAME REPORT
USF 16 – Army 7
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Offense
–For the first time this season, USF’s offense was held without a touchdown, but the Bulls did just enough to secure a gritty win behind timely drives and mistake-free football. Quarterback Locklan Hewlett surpassed 3,000 yards passing on the year, finishing 17-of-25 for 150 yards without a turnover. While the explosive plays never materialized, Hewlett operated steadily and took what Army’s zone-heavy looks allowed.

–The ground game leaned on Nicholas Daniel (11 carries, 57 yards) and Steven Snead (35 rushing yards), with both backs producing efficient gains to help sustain possession. Still, Coach Porter acknowledged afterward that the offensive unit missed opportunities:
“We expect more out of our offense. We owe this one to the defense today. But no turnovers, steady drives, and putting Nico in position to score, that part I’m proud of.”

–USF threatened multiple times but settled for field goals, including a key drive early in the fourth quarter that ended with Nico Gramatica missing a 31-yard attempt from the left hash. Special teams coach Chad Creamer took some ownership afterward:
“Maybe we take a delay there to help the angle. That’s on us.”

–Receiver Tyler Williams once again led the team with eight receptions for 74 yards, while Daidren Zipperer, Dawann Troup, and Jordyn Bridgewater each chipped in chain-moving catches.
Defense
–USF’s defense turned in one of the most dominant performances of the DJ Porter era, recording nine sacks and suffocating an Army offense that unexpectedly leaned on the passing game. The Bulls repeatedly overwhelmed quarterback Brandon Tennison, who finished with more dropbacks than Army typically logs in a month.

–DiNellson Exume delivered a career outing with four sacks and two tackles for loss, bringing his season total to 12.5, just two behind George Selvie's record of 14.5 set in 2007.

-Ira Singleton and Marlon Doyle added two sacks apiece. Chad Harbor and Jahari Grant each contributed additional backfield disruption as USF’s defensive front took complete control.

–Linebacker Eric Rance led the team in tackles with nine, while Izaiah Guy stepped in front of a late Army pass for a crucial interception that halted momentum.

–The biggest moment of the game came in the second quarter, when Danny Felton burst through the line, blocked and scooped up an Army field goal attempt, racing 59 yards for the Bulls’ lone touchdown. The play flipped the stadium’s energy and provided the margin that ultimately won the game.

“Our defense was on fire today. Pressure, discipline, everything. They carried us.” — Coach Porter
Special Teams
–Aside from the missed 31-yarder, Nico Gramatica was strong once again, going 3-for-4 on field goals (long of 34) and 1-for-1 on PATs. His kicks accounted for 10 of USF’s 16 points.

–Dorian McSurdy boomed two punts for a 49.0-yard average, flipping field position in a defensive-heavy contest.

–Returners Elton York and David Igbinoghene each posted 20-yard kickoff returns, with York also adding two important punt returns that improved USF’s starting field position.
Quotables
“We owe this one to the defense. They were unbelievable. But winning ugly still counts the same, and we protected the ball.” – DJ Porter, Head Coach
“Maybe we take a delay there to help the angle. We’ll clean that up.” – Chad Creamer, Special Teams Coordinator
“We just kept coming. Once we saw they were dropping back more, we pinned our ears and got after it.” – DiNellson Exume, Defensive Linesman
Injury Notes
–Guard Emmett Parks remains sidelined with a broken collarbone.
–Center Teriyan Morman is still out with a compound foot fracture and is unlikely to return this season.
News
–USF improves to 10–2, finishing the regular season at 6–1 in American Conference play. They have moved up to #22 in the CFP rankings.
–The Bulls’ victory, combined with other conference results, secures their spot in the American Conference Championship Game.
–Locklan Hewlett surpasses 3,000 passing yards on the season, becoming just the third quarterback in USF history to reach the mark.
–Danny Felton’s blocked field goal return TD is the longest scoring play of the season for the defense.
Next Up
–USF moves on to the American Conference Championship Game, where they will face #25 Tulane (9-3|7-1) for the conference title.
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Count
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by Count » 06 Dec 2025, 08:57

That’s a good win to keep the season on track. It’s always good when you hold an option team to 26 yards on the ground.

Now it’s time for the game to decide your season. Let’s get that win over Tulane and go to the CFP
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 08:58

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
AMERICAN CONFERENCE REPORT
American Conference Standings
TeamW-LPCTCONFPFPADIFFMOVHOMEAWAYSTK
#22 USF10–2.8337–138521716814.06–04–2W3
#25 Tulane9–3.7507–136223812410.34–25–1W1
Rice7–5.5835–3346311352.93–44–1L1
Tulsa7–5.5835–3268311-43-3.65–12–4W1
North Texas8–4.6675–3335274615.15–23–2W2
UAB7–5.5834–4369348211.84–33–2W4
Memphis6–6.5004–4349312373.13–23–4L1
Temple5–7.4174–4269367-98-8.23–22–5W2
UTSA5–7.4174–4398383151.32–43–3W1
Charlotte4–8.3333–5340320201.73–31–5L2
East Carolina4–8.3333–5316429-113-9.43–41–4L2
Florida Atlantic6–6.5003–5373363100.83–33–3L1
Army2–9.1821–7176288-112-10.21–41–5L3
Navy1–10.0911–7140319-179-16.31–50–5W1
American Conference Week 13 Scores
UAB 48, East Carolina 21
#22 USF 16, Army 7
UTSA 50, North Texas 21
Tulsa 24, Florida Atlantic 21
#25 Tulane 38, Rice 16
Navy 31, Memphis 28
Temple 28, Charlotte 24
American Conference Players of the Week
Defensive: Nick McNichols – SS – Navy | W 31–28 vs Memphis | 7 TKL, 1 INT, 1 FF, 2 FR
Offensive: Jaylin Carter – WR – UAB | W 48–21 vs East Carolina | 7 REC, 119 YDS, 17.0 AVG, 2 TD
American Conference Week 14 Schedule
Army vs Navy – Sat, Dec 4 – 3:00 PM - Philadelphia, PA
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 08:59

Count wrote: ↑
06 Dec 2025, 08:57
 That’s a good win to keep the season on track. It’s always good when you hold an option team to 26 yards on the ground.

Now it’s time for the game to decide your season. Let’s get that win over Tulane and go to the CFP
yeah we only gave up a couple longer runs then the one long pass which was frustrating
their defense was surprisingly good and they kept Williams bottled up
Tulane is going to be tough!
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by The JZA » 06 Dec 2025, 09:11

Game was a lot closer than anticipated :obama:

Struggle was real to get a TD, great win nonetheless.
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 12:12

definitely did not expect that struggle
Tony earned his check in that one
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 12:25

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL WRAP-UP
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT
CFP Top 25 Rankings
RankLWTeamW–LLast WeekThis Week
11Auburn11–1W 24–20 vs 8 Alabama---
23USC11–1W 35–21 vs 13 UCLA---
32Utah11–1W 31–0 vs Baylor---
46Oklahoma10–2W 59–34 at Texas A&M---
57Clemson10–2W 38–27 at South Carolina---
68Miami10–2W 40–0 vs California---
711LSU10–2W 32–31 at Texas---
84Alabama10–2L 24–20 at 1 Auburn---
99Penn State10–2W 38–35 vs Michigan State---
1012Pittsburgh10–2W 42–32 vs Duke---
1113Michigan9–3W 45–36 vs Ohio State---
1214Florida State10–2W 24–21 at Florida---
135UCLA10–2L 35–21 at 2 USC---
1415Georgia9–3W 37–24 at Georgia Tech---
1519Notre Dame9–3W 24–16 at Stanford---
1616Louisiana11–1W 28–16 vs Arkansas State---
1718Oregon9–3W 42–38 at Washington---
1820Boston College9–3W 41–17 at Syracuse---
1922Kansas9–3W 36–28 vs Oklahoma State---
2023Tennessee9–3W 54–21 vs Vanderbilt---
21NRFlorida International9–3------
2224USF10–2W 16–7 vs Army---
2325Boise State10–2W 38–17 vs Colorado State---
24NROregon State9–3W 48–10 vs Washington State---
25NRTulane9–3W 38–16 vs Rice---
Dropped from rankings: Texas 10, Ohio State 17, Washington 21
National Players of the Week
Defensive: John Slaughter – SS – Colorado | L 42–21 at BYU | 9 TKL, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 TD
Offensive: Braylon James – WR – TCU | W 45–42 vs Houston | 16 REC, 252 REC YDS, 15.8 AVG, 1 REC TD
Heisman Watch
PlayerPos.SchoolChangeLast Game Result & StatsSeason Stats
Deuce KnightQBAuburn▲W 24–20 vs 8 Alabama 22–34, 264 PASS YDS, 7.8 YPA, 2 TD 17 CAR, 40 RUSH YDS3,828 PASS YDS, 32 TD, 3 INT 553 RUSH YDS
Landon RoldanWRGeorgia▼W 37–24 at Georgia Tech 5 REC, 51 YDS, 10.2 AVG, 1 TD95 REC, 1,460 YDS, 15 TD 445 YAC, 2 DROPS
Tyrese JermanWRAuburn▲W 24–20 vs 8 Alabama 4 REC, 61 YDS, 15.3 AVG, 2 TD 1 FUM96 REC, 1,290 YDS, 20 TD 345 YAC, 4 DROPS
Dante MooreQBOregon▲W 42–38 at Washington 23–33, 361 PASS YDS, 10.9 YPA, 5 TD 9 CAR, 29 RUSH YDS3,409 PASS YDS, 36 TD, 3 INT 336 RUSH YDS
Phillip RushQBWyoming—W 27–13 at Air Force 29–39, 334 PASS YDS, 8.6 YPA, 2 TD 11 CAR, 30 RUSH YDS3,980 PASS YDS, 29 TD, 3 INT 479 RUSH YDS
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 12:29

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USF RECRUITING REPORT
NO NEW SIGNINGS FOR BULLS AS PLAYERS NARROW THEIR LISTS
Class of 2028
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Smith
Dakota
WR
HS
:threestar:
468
60
80
6'1”
177
Tampa, FL
Kush
Immauel
SS
HS
:threestar:
494
65
10
6'0”
201
Tampa, FL
Doubs
Jacques
DT
HS
:threestar:
547
34
32
6'5”
301
Cartersville, GA
Peppers
Tyrone
DT
HS
:threestar:
584
8
34
6'3”
304
Saint Louis, MO
Tuten
Tyler
RG
HS
:threestar:
643
81
48
6'1”
307
Vero Beach, FL
Traore
Peter
SAM
HS
:threestar:
719
87
56
6'3”
230
Dunnellon, FL
Sowells
Jahzir
DT
HS
:threestar:
816
61
44
6'4”
290
Carrolton, GA
Bragg
Dom
K
HS
:threestar:
922
105
7
5'11”
166
Ocala, FL
Terrell
Lonnie
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
938
108
54
6'3”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Lanovoi
Stanley
ATH
HS
:threestar:
966
110
21
6'1”
307
Jacksonville, FL
Sauer
Enrique
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1163
135
73
6'2”
230
Bradenton, FL
Current Targets
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Stage
Top Schools
Isaac
Sergio
TE
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1120
131
59
6'6”
221
Port Saint Lucie, FL
Top 3
USF, Minnesota, UCF
Lorenz
Enrique
RT
HS
:threestar:
1249
31
87
6'4”
315
Southfield, MI
Top 5
USF, UTEP, Buffalo
Barr
Josh
WR
HS
:threestar:
1474
171
274
6'1”
186
Bradenton, FL
Top 3
USF, SDSU, ODU
Brents
Keon
ATH
HS
:threestar:
1533
183
99
6'3”
228
Orlando, FL
Top 3
USF, TAMU, Illinois
Cherry
Kenya
WR
HS
:threestar:
1705
205
308
6'1”
165
Sarasota, FL
Top 5
USF, SDSU, ODU
Unsigned Targets
Last
First
Position
Class
Star Rating
Nat Rank
Pos Rank
State Rank
Height
Weight
Hometown
Reason
Signed With
Hurns
Grant
DT
HS
:threestar:
500
11
27
6'1”
294
Flossmoor, IL
Signed Elsewhere
Temple
Michelle
Kyle
WR
HS
:threestar:
975
111
168
6'4”
188
Bradenton, FL
Removed
---
Kiwanuka
Jabari
RT
HS
:threestar:
1217
143
83
6'6”
293
Davenport, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
Cantwell
Rodney
WILL
JUCO SO
:threestar:
1270
148
97
6'0”
206
Winter Park, FL
Signed Elsewhere
UCF
Ellington
Quincey
DT
HS
:threestar:
1327
21
73
6'3”
292
Chandler, AZ
Removed
---
Swayne
Barry
MIKE
HS
:threestar:
1338
157
81
5'11”
218
Winter Garden, FL
Signed Elsewhere
Army
Neilon
Mychal
RT
HS
:threestar:
1464
169
99
6'7”
313
Kissimmee, FL
Dealbreaker - Playing Style
---
Johnson
Ray
WR
HS
:threestar:
1556
186
284
6'3”
193
Bradenton, FL
Removed
---
Nkwenti
Akeem
DT
HS
:threestar:
1627
194
83
6'0”
303
Pensacola, FL
Removed
Wake Forest
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Porter's Playbook | The Coaching Career of DJ Porter

Post by djp73 » 06 Dec 2025, 12:32

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