Scarlet Sunrise: Aaron Scott Jr.'s fake out, Tim Walton's latest recruiting win headline weekend
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Aaron Scott Jr.’s fake out, Tim Walton’s latest recruiting win headline weekend
Four-star Springfield (Ohio) cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. stood in front of three colored curtains: one yellow, one green, one red — they represented his top-three schools, Michigan, Oregon and Ohio State.
In front of Scott laid one backpack and one hat from each of those football programs.
Around 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening in Springfield — with a horde of friends, family and reporters, plus more than 7,000 people on Instagram, watching — Scott began to make his commitment announcement.
“For the next three to four years, I’ll be taking my talents to the University of…” Scott said, trailing off before picking up the Oregon backpack and hat.
Then he dropped those behind him.
Next he grabbed the Ohio State backpack, set it down and went to put on the Buckeyes bucket hat. But he stopped before it could cover his dreads. As he did with the Oregon gear, Scott placed the Ohio State backpack and hat behind him.
Some in the crowd gasped. Others cheered. All that was left was the Michigan bag and hat.
Scott lifted the Wolverines backpack and unzipped it.
“For the next three to four years,” he repeated, before taking out a white jersey.
“I’ll be taking my talents to the University of…”
He didn’t even need to say it. Like a star artist working the crowd at a concert, Scott let the audience finish his statement, as he unfurled the threads, a No. 5 Ohio State road jersey that paid homage to Buckeyes great Braxton Miller, a Springfield native.
The fake out was a shocker.
“That was the plan,” Scott said afterward with a smile on his face, “just throw them off a little bit.”
The commotion of the decision, which Scott said he went back-and-forth on until Sunday — combined with smoke machine effects — created a chaotic atmosphere.
What’s more, as Scott posed for photos with his family, the smoke detector went off.
“Wild” is one word to describe an event that had the suspense of a gender reveal with the added flavor of arguably college football’s best rivalry.
Scott leaned into the theatrics and burned Michigan. He’s staying home, committing to the Buckeyes and joining Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville cornerback Bryce West. Scott and West are the No. 1 and No. 2 Ohio prospects this cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
“It means a lot to me,” Scott said, when asked about him teaming up with West. “I’m from Ohio so I feel like, why not keep it going. Be them two Ohio dudes and take over. Show them what we can do.”
It was another win for Ohio State cornerbacks and secondary coach Tim Walton, who has now reeled in four top-10 cornerback prospects in his first two recruiting cycles at his alma mater, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
Scott and West are ranked the No. 4 and No. 5 corners nationally in their recruiting class. And Ohio State’s 2023 signees at the position, Jermaine Mathews and Calvin Simpson-Hunt, were the No. 4 and No. 7 cornerbacks last cycle, per the On3 Industry Ranking.
What a day for Walton, Scott and the Buckeyes staff.
And the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, which is alive as ever.
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Media Days notebook: How rest of Big Ten picture affects Buckeyes
Lettermen Row was in Indianapolis for Big Ten Media Days covering all-things Ohio State. But we also took note of what’s going on around the rest of the conference.
The Big Ten East features a pair of national championship contenders, plus another dark horse candidate, and returns all seven of its head coaches.
The Big Ten West, on the other hand, welcomes four new leaders to the fold, including Northwestern interim head coach David Braun, who is tasked with putting together the pieces that is the Wildcats program in the wake of its hazing scandal.
For words on how Michigan is in the pole position entering 2023, Maryland is expecting a breakthrough and Penn State is faking a quarterback “competition,” go here.
And to find out more about former Ohio State nose guard and longtime assistant Luke Fickell leading Wisconsin, Iowa’s critical offseason and the mess that is Northwestern, head on over here.
Lettermen Row coverage from Big Ten Media Days
WATCH: Ryan Day press conference at Big Ten Media Days
WATCH: Buckeyes coach Ryan Day joins the show, recap of Day One at B1G Media Days
WATCH: Rivalry in spotlight as B1G Media Days end with Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
READ: Quick-hitters from Ryan Day Big Ten Media Days press conference
READ: Gene Smith, Buckeyes more motivated than ever to beat Michigan
READ: Marvin Harrison Jr. envisioning return trip to Indy for B1G title game
READ: Marvin Harrison Jr. striving for more in second year as Ohio State superstar
READ: With potential unlocked, J.T. Tuimoloau shooting for more consistency
READ: Buckeyes still mulling over play-calling responsibilities for 2023
READ: Ahead of fall camp, Ryan Day discusses details, timeline of ‘close’ Buckeyes QB battle
READ: Hungry, driven Cade Stover embracing ‘never-ending process’
READ: Luke Fickell used Ohio State run to become his own coach
READ: Kenyatta Jackson ‘looks like an NFL player’ after impressive offseason
READ: Buckeyes ‘encouraged’ by first impressions of transfer tackle Josh Simmons
READ: With ‘huge upside,’ Luke Montgomery in the mix for starting tackle spot
READ: Ryan Day reflects on first four years as Buckeyes head coach with pivotal season ahead
READ: Buckeyes stand with Carnell Tate after losing his mother
READ: Five Buckeyes generating buzz after Ohio State speaks at Big Ten Media Days
READ: Buckeyes near full strength heading into training camp next week
Carmen’s Crew TBT run ends in Round of 16
Carmen’s Crew, Ohio State men’s basketball’s unofficial alumni team, saw its pursuit of the winner-take-all, $1 million prize in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) come to an end this weekend.
Following victories over Team Overtime and India Rising in the Dayton region, Carmen’s Crew bowed out to Friday Beers in the Round of 16.
Carmen’s Crew, which featured five players from the Chris Holtmann era in its first year back in TBT, went cold in the second half against Friday Beers and, despite a late push, couldn’t make up lost ground.
You can get the recap here.
Counting down
Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 33 days
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 118 days
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