Keionte Scott’s elite college stats, versatility, and playoff heroics ignite intrigue. Will this seasoned cornerback vault up draft boards?
As the Miami Hurricanes embark on a new college football season, several former players are preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, looking for new homes. While some will learn very quickly, such as edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., right tackle Francis Mauigoa, and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, others will likely have to be patient, such as cornerback Keionte Scott.
Despite the class revolving around defensive stars, the 24-year-old hasn’t received much buzz. Scott didn’t participate in the Scouting Combine, but will at the Pro Day. He’s coming off a career season with the Hurricanes: 64 total tackles, 42 solos and 22 assists, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and recoveries, five passes broken up, seven passes defended, and two pick-sixes in 14 total games.
The All-ACC cornerback is one of two players in the nation to finish in the top 10 in both run defense grade (91.2, first) and coverage grade (87.1, eighth), according to PFF College.
Scott played a critical role in the Hurricanes’ turnaround, especially on the defensive side of the field. He’s known to play with a great level of intensity, fitting the team’s identity of violence and physicality. The California native can fit in nearly every defensive coverage, especially as a nickel.
Despite being projected to be selected in the second or third round, Scott has the talent to be a sneaky pickup for any organization. He confirmed at the Combine to have meetings with the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, both of whom finished in the top 10 in most passing yards allowed per game.
Spending six years in college football makes him a ready-now rookie for the NFL, but it’s part of the reason for him not getting selected so high. Scott will turn 25 years old before next season begins. Regardless, the impact is undeniable.
After missing the final three games of the regular season with the Hurricanes due to a lower extremity injury, Scott returned for the College Football Playoffs and didn’t appear to miss a step. He recorded 20 total tackles, 12 solos and eight assists, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble, plus a 72-yard pick six in the Cotton Bowl against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the second-longest in College Football Playoff history, and earned Defensive Player of the Game honors. All-American wide receiver Jeremiah Smith missed a block on Scott, which he made them pay for.
The star cornerback will have an opportunity to impress scouts, head coaches, and front office members at Pro Day. Despite falling short of a National Championship, Scott contributed to establishing a new standard and culture for the Hurricanes moving forward.
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