How is it that two people, from two different places, can have so much in common?
The Defensive Coordinator Robert Massey of Shaw University had an answer.
“Sometimes when people are not given a silver spoon their entire life, they are more determined to make it and prove to people that they can be just as elite.”
This statement was regarding his highly recruited defensive line in Charles Deas, and Stanley Porter. Both Porter and Deas didn’t always have it as easy when talking about their paths to play college football. Deas was once rated a very highly recruited prospect coming out of Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while Porter had led West Bolivar High School to a 12-1 record and playoffs as a senior in Rosedale, Mississippi.
Both these young men had something in common when choosing to attend Shaw University two years ago on scholarships: A second chance to show the world that they can compete.
Once rated as a top 100 recruit in the nation from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, nothing could stand in the way of the huge Charles Deas. Deas stands at 6’6 and 315 pounds and is a major force in the middle. Deas was a monster coming out of high school for Dillard High, and was being looked at by every major school in the nation.
Deas chose to commit to LSU after being highly recruited by Jimbo Fisher, the former LSU offensive coordinator and current head coach at Florida State. Hoping to play next to Al Woods another highly recruited commit to LSU, Deas couldn’t wait for his opportunity. But things wouldn’t be that easy for him.
Deas when he failed to meet the requirements for academics. Deas was forced to leave LSU and went on to play for Milford Academy a Prep School in NY, to get his academic scores higher.
“I just wouldn’t stop searching, being determined, trying to get back on the field, I wanted to get some exposure. “
After playing a year for Milford Academy, Deas made a verbal commitment to play for Auburn University. Deas had a visit Dec. 14 with Auburn, but failed to make the necessary progress academically thanks to the change in Prep School rules and regulations had changed. Deas had missed out on his first chance. It seemed his second chance could’ve have been his last as well.
Still, Deas never lost sight of his goals.
He chose Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, a two year college, to continue playing ball. He was a force for the JUCO school, finishing the season with 5 sacks. After his impressive year, Shaw offered him a full scholarship to play for them. He quickly accepted after realizing he could help the program and the respect he had for the Shaw coaching staff.
“Shaw is an amazing place. I cannot thank them enough, especially the coaches, because they gave me a shot to play. That is all I wanted, a second chance.”
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While Deas was fighting to get his opportunity, so was his future teammate, Stanley Porter (6’3, 275 lbs) who was making a name for himself in the little town of Rosedale, Mississippi. Stanley Porter was playing defensive end for West Bolivar High School and was lighting up offensive tackles his senior year, recording 50 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 7 quarterback sacks.
Ole Miss came knocking on the door and began talking to him, but after little interest, Porter committed to Arkansas State, where he would end up being switched to defensive tackle and asked to add on some weight. He had a few tackles in the two years, including as a true freshman, but after two seasons, Stanley was struggling in school and was forced to leave the program.
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After sitting out of Football for a year, Stanley was given another shot to play when Shaw offered him a full scholarship. This is when Porter and Deas finally crossed paths. Both players were brought on the same year and made a pact to help Shaw win the Championship. It didn’t take long, as in year one at Shaw, the Bears won the CIAA Championship, beating Virginia State 14-7. Both Deas and Porter played a major role in the win.
In 2011, both wanted to keep the winning going, but after a tough season the Bears failed to make the playoffs and finished the season at 3-7. A silver lining for the defense that year, however was holding impressive running back Nic Cooper from Winona State University to just 16 yards running the ball, when at the time he was averaging around 145 per game.
“It was a great feeling holding Nic (Cooper) to only 16 rushing yards, because we did it as a team, and were able to complete the mission of having a top 5 defense in the nation.” Shaw Bears defense ended the season at 3rd in the Nation, in huge part to Deas and Porter. Both couldn’t give enough credit to their coaching staff as well as their other teammates on the front, especially Senior DeMarcus Roberson who also played an amazing year as well. All three of the lineman finished the season with 4 sacks each.
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As far as scouting for the next level goes, both have intriguing skill sets. Charles causes havoc in the middle with his athletic ability and huge push. He has one of the best bull rushes seen from a defensive tackle since Haloti Ngata of Oregon. Deas was a nightmare to block in the middle of the field, beating double teams and manhandling the 2 gap. He’s confident in his play and he should be, as he has taken every team he played for since Milford Academy and put them in the top 3 in defense.
Porter on the other hand is nicknamed the “Acrobat”. Just check out his YouTube videos. Porter at 275 pounds comes off the edge similar to his favorite player, Dwight Freeney. His jab step inside is one of the prettiest at the D-2 level, because he gets you to bite inside and beats you off the edge with his rip move. Porter is a very agile player and has amazing quickness for a big guy.
Robert Massey, the ex-NFL star Cornerback and current coach for Shaw, commented on having Deas and Porter on his defense.
“It makes my job a lot easier, because both of these young men have tons of talent.”
“NFL scouts have come in and looked at both Deas and Porter, and I believe they both will have a legitimate chance to play at the next level.”
Coach Massey knew a thing about coming from a small school to make it, as he was a 2nd Round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints who came from North Carolina Central University.
“I remember it like it was yesterday, people would criticize you and your skills, saying you can’t play, or you didn’t play top talent, but if you put all the critics aside and strive for greatness, anything can happen.”
Both Deas and Porter hope they can make a name for themselves in an upcoming Bowl game such as the HBCU Bowl or the BSN Showcase where they were both invited. Deas has a special message for everyone as well who are going to attend the Bowl games (NFL Scouts particularly),
“I would love an opportunity and chance to show the world my talents. With God’s will, I will MAKE IT PRO.”
Both will get a chance to prove that their outstanding promise early in their football career hasn’t gone away. The journey of these two teammates together isn’t all written yet. God’s will has given Deas and Stanley Porter some life lessons on how to preserver through adversity. Maybe without that adversity early in life, and if they were fed with that silver spoon as expected, Charles Deas and Stanley Porter wouldn’t be the friends or NFL prospects they are today.
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