5-Star DL Justin Scott has played a total of just 15 football games

Growing up, it was all about hoops. Justin Scott has always been one of the bigger kids for his age and his first love was basketball.

He grew up playing basketball in the season, then AAU in the spring and summer. It was where his heart was. and he thought that is where his future was.

That was until Chicago St. Ignatius head football coach Matt Miller heard about the 6-foot-5, 300-pound athlete. As soon as Miller heard about this freshman, he quickly hit the halls to find him.

“At first, I just heard about this big kid walking the halls at St. Ignatius,” Miller said with a laugh. “I talked with Justin and he was interested in playing football for the first time and talking to mom was next.

“She was worried I was going to put her son on varsity as a freshman, but I told her we would start him on junior varsity. I stuck to my word, he played junior varsity as a freshman before moving up to varsity for his sophomore season.

“That is when things took off.”

Football has now become a big part of Scott’s life. And it is expected to be a big part of his future.

Justin Scott’s first football was affected by COVID-19

Scott’s freshman season was different. Due to COVID-19, the season was played in the spring and it was only six games. He played fullback and defensive line in the spring of 2021.

He dominated in the trenches due to his size and he ripped off two touchdown runs of over 40 yards from the fullback position flashing his elite athleticism.

Due to the pandemic, Scott went from playing football in the spring to basketball in the summer and then right back into his first true football season in the fall of last year.

It took two varsity games for a school to see enough to offer Scott. Illinois was first to pull the trigger. Since September last year, close to 20 schools have offered. Iowa, Michigan, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, USC, and others have put their name on Scott’s offer list.

He is still learning how to take all of this in.

“Football was foreign to Justin, so recruiting definitely was too. He didn’t know how to respond when I told him about his first offer. Then coaches started coming through, more schools offered, and he is still learning how to process it all.

“The best thing about it is, he is taking it all in stride and staying humble. He is drawing major attention, kids are looking up to him, he is the center of attention, and you would never know it.

“Justin is still just being a kid. He is nothing different than who he was before he had any offers.”

Scott is a unique talent

Coming up as a kid, it was about blocking shots, owning the paint, and banging with post players down low on the hard court.

College coaches love kids that play other sports. Scott still plays basketball, but things have shifted, and football has become his No. 1 priority. He knows that is his future.

Whoever gets him is getting a special talent.

“This young man had zero experience playing football before the COVID-19 season, so there is still so much room for him to grow and develop,” Miller said. “He is still learning, but he has come a long way in such a short amount of time.

“This is his first full off-season because of the crazy schedule last year due to covid. He is already making big strides in the weight room and he still has a lot more room to grow.

“He has a gifted size and athleticism, so as he develops in the weight room and on the field, he is going to be so much better. Justin is unique because of his size and skill and he is only going to get better.”

On3 ranks Scott as a 5-Star

It is early, and there are only three five-stars in the 2024 class for On3. Scott is one of them.

He is the No. 3 prospect in the On300 and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country.

From On3’s Director of Scouting Charles Power: 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.