Justin Scott Makes It Official, Signs With Miami Hurricanes

The U signs elite defensive tackle Justin Scott from Chicago St. Ignatius

Author:
Brian Smith
Publish date:
Dec 20, 2023 8:08 AM EST

In this story:

It's not often that the Miami Hurricanes land top-notch players from the rural areas just outside of Tallahassee. Today is one of those rare occasions.

Justin Scott

Size: 6-foot-4, 310 pounds

Position: Defensive Tackle

High School: Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius

Recruitment: Miami won out but it took a long time to gain his commitment and his signature. Michigan, Notre Dame, Georgia, and Ohio State would be the teams that all reportedly led at one point or another, with Ohio State holding Scott's commitment from July 2 until his flip to Miami on Nov. 29.

Strengths: The ability to play strong-side defensive end within a three-man line is in play despite Scott's 310-pound frame; he's that athletic. Scott could play nose guard or defensive tackle when the Canes are in a true 4-3 or 4-2-5 formation.

No matter his position, Scott's quickness of the football augments the power necessary to be a trench warrior. He will command many double teams at the FBS level.

Areas to Improve: It's the basics for a big guy heading to a major college program like Miami. Conditioning to carry 300-plus-pounds in the South Florida heat and humidity, plus continuing to learn the pass-rush moves that will make him all but unstoppable when combined with his natural athleticism and football IQ.

From the 2024 Miami Commitments and Evaluations page, here’s what AllHurricanes writes about Scott can do:

Powerful and agile, Scott is an unusual defensive tackle because he provides all of the size, athleticism, and natural agility that is usually seen with players who weigh 240 or 250 pounds. He's capable of playing 5-technique in a 4-3 during short-yardage situations or being a true defensive end within a 3-man line scheme.
Yes, Scott can play nose guard, but that's not his best position long-term. In a perfect world, he's playing in an up-the-field 4-3 defense. That just happens to be what the Hurricanes operate under Lance Guidry.

If he comes to Miami with the proper mindset, Scott could be a player who sees major minutes as a true freshman.