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Auburn/Houston Nickel Keionte Scott Reuniting With Coach Zac Etheridge, Chooses Miami Hurricanes

On3 imageby: Matt Shodell05/06/25canesport
NCAA Football: New Mexico at Auburn
Sep 14, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Keionte Scott (0) against the New Mexico Lobos at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

Nickel Keionte Scott is reuniting with Miami first-year DB coach Zac Etheridge. Scott, who played for Etheridge at Auburn before transferring to Houston in the winter portal window, has now chosen to transfer to the Hurricanes.

It’s a big addition for UM and the latest addition to a defensive backs room that’s gotten a big portal shakeup. Scott will join first portal window transfer corners Xavier Lucas and Ethan O’Connor and nickel Charles Brantley plus S Zechariah Poyser along with second portal window pickup S Jakobe Thomas. Plus a returning starter is OJ Frederique at boundary corner with Damari Brown at nickel. Jadais Richard will also be back after starting games.

So where does Scott fit in?

Well, in his three years at Auburn he played a lot of nickel and cornerback along with a few safety reps. Miami is taking him for his ability at nickel as at 6-0 and 190 pounds he has the ability to lock down slot receivers.

As for Scott’s background?

He began his college career at Snow College, where he earned JUCO All-American honors twice before transferring to Auburn. He played primarily as a nickel in 2022 at Auburn before transitioning to cornerback. Over his Auburn career Scott appeared in 33 games with 23 starts, recording 115 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, and 10 career interceptions—including one returned for a touchdown. As a JUCO prospect in 2021, he was considered one of the top available players in the country.

Under Etheridge—who was named Miami’s defensive backs coach this February—Scott shined in 2022, finishing with 53 tackles, one sack, and one interception. In 2023 he tallied 42 tackles and five pass deflections. However, his role diminished in 2024, as he started just four of 11 games at boundary corner. That drop in playing time ultimately led to his decision to transfer to Houston, hoping to rediscover his form under Etheridge. And now Scott’s following Etheridge to UM.

Per Pro Football Focus he graded out at just 48.1 percent in 239 reps last season and ended with 18 tackles. He allowed 16 catches on 22 targets for 317 yards and two TDs. Not great, but in 2022 in 629 reps he had a 71.7 grade (allowed 38 catches on 54 targets for 422 yards and a TD), and in 2023 his grade was 72.3 percent in 469 reps (allowed 18 catches on 34 targets for 258 yards and a TD).

During his time at Auburn, Scott also was a dynamic punt returner, totaling 444 yards on 43 returns, including a touchdown. Miami’s staff has made it clear they want to be more explosive in the return game. After adding former BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion—one of the most dynamic kick returners in the country—Scott could potentially also serve as a punt return specialist for the Canes.

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