On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 5, DL Justin Scott

On3 has updated its recruiting ranking for the 2024 class after the completion of dozens of offseason camps, as well as events like the Elite 11 Finals and Overtime 7v7 Finals. Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius five-star defensive lineman and Ohio State commit Justin Scott is the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2024 On300, jumping up from No. 8 overall in On3’s previous ranking release.

The latest edition of On3’s 2024 rankings features 15 five-star players, up from 11 in the previous update in April. Of those 15 prospects, seven are already committed to college programs, including Scott and five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman who were the latest to come off the board to Ohio State and Texas A&M respectively.

The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Scott took official visits to Georgia, Miami, Michigan and Ohio State in June. He announced his pledge to the Buckeyes on July 2, picking them over Michigan.

“When we came back from the Michigan visit, the whole family was set on them,” Scott told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I was ready to commit to Michigan. And then we went to Ohio State, and the one thing that pushed Ohio State over the top was getting coached by Coach Larry Johnson.

“He has a plan for me. Coach Larry J sat down with me and my family, pulled out the plans he has for me for my freshman, sophomore and junior year. He looked me in the eyes and told me that if I’m not out of that school in three years, he did something wrong. Him being the greatest, I believe it.”

Justin Scott Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about him as a prospect:

“Naturally-gifted defensive tackle with rare movement skills at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds. One of the more unique jumbo athletes early on in the 2024 cycle. A twitchy, explosive athlete who runs like a much smaller player. Chases down plays from the back side and runs sideline-to-sideline with ease.

…A loose, fluid mover with natural flexibility. Shows his natural explosion as a finisher. New to football, playing his first season at the varsity level as a sophomore. Has a background as a soccer and basketball player. Will need to continue developing from a technical aspect, particularly with his hands. Rapid ascension and quick improvement point to a high ceiling.”