Where did Sam LaPorta go to college?

The American Football tight end Samuel Joseph LaPorta was born on January 12, 2001. The Detroit Lions selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. LaPorta started his professional career on a high. He became the first tight end to have five receptions in his first three games. LaPorta also broke the franchise record for receiving yards by a rookie tight end in a single game with 140 yards. He received the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week that week.

He broke several records of the regular season announcing himself to the league. LaPorta & Jahmyr Gibbs also became the first pair of rookie teammates to score at least 10 touchdowns. LaPorta played a key role in the regular season, finishing with 86 catches for 889 yards. He broke the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie tight end while playing for the Lions. In addition, he set team records for rookie tight end receptions and yards as well as touchdown receptions. LaPorta is named to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games as well.

LaPorta is a strong character with a good pair of catching hands. Playing in contested moments and securing the football are some of his traits. He can use his size well with the leaping ability to come out on top in nervy situations. Although he isn’t among the fastest NFL players, he still can manage to show some run-after-the-catch skills. He runs a mean angle to get past defenders in the off-man as he releases from stacks or bunches. He consistently prevails on out routes at varying depths by initially tilting inside.

Sam LaPorta High School

LaPorta was born in Highland, Illinois and attended the local high school. In high school, he played defensive back and wide receiver. In his high school career, 50 touchdowns and 3,793 receiving yards were his career totals. LaPorta pledged to play collegiate football at the University of Iowa.

Sam LaPorta College

In his freshman season, LaPorta positioned behind Shaun Beyer and Nate Wieting in the depth chart going into his first campaign in 2019. LaPorta caught his first two career catches for 43 yards in a 20–0 victory against Northwestern in Week 8. Moreover, He made two starts in 12 games and totalled 15 receptions for 188 yards in 2019. LaPorta is also the all-time reception leader at the position.

LaPorta shined in the 2021 season where he played 14 games. He had a couple of Honourable All-Big and All-American mentions in his college career. Moreover, He received the Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year in his last season with Illinois State.