Recruiting insider explains how Miami flipped 5-star DL Justin Scott from Ohio State

Miami pulled off one of the biggest wins of the 2024 cycle in surprising fashion on Wednesday night, as Chicago St. Ignatius five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott flipped his commitment from Ohio State to the Hurricanes.

The No. 11 overall prospect and No. 2 DL in the On3 Industry Ranking was committed to the Buckeyes since July 2, but Mario Cristobal and the Canes were able to land the premier lineman with National Signing Day just three weeks away.

Scott’s decision was not one that floated around in the rumor mill for weeks. Miami never fully went away, but according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons, it was actually Scott who really ramped up contact with the ACC program.

“I think it was more Justin Scott just keeping Miami in the back of his mind. He watched the season play out for Miami…Miami didn’t flood his DMs or text him all the time or call everyday and really try to overwhelm him…I think Justin Scott — when he committed to Ohio State — kept Miami in the back of his mind, watched the season, saw some progression and then he initiated contact with Miami a couple of weeks ago, it kind of took off pretty quickly from there,” Simmons said on The Inside Scoop.

“He had a couple serious talks with mom and people in his camp, then decided he wanted to be a Miami Hurricane.”

Canes make good on late opportunity to land Scott’s pledge

Miami was in the running for Scott back when he pledged to Ohio State this summer. The Hurricanes were one of four teams to receive a June official visit, but weren’t able to close the deal at the time — a storyline that became prominent with multiple elite defensive linemen in the 2024 class.

Upon being given another serious opportunity to bring Scott to Coral Gables, Cristobal, DL coach Joe Salave’a, defensive ends coach Jason Taylor and Co. weren’t going to let the 6-foot-4, 315-pounder slip away for a second time.

“Definitely a step in the right direction,” Simmons said of Miami pulling off the flip. “They’ve been tied to numerous high-profile defensive linemen throughout this process. They’ve lost many of those — David Stone, Dylan Stewart, they’re still fighting for a guy like LJ McCray, all elite 5-star prospects in this 2024 class. But Scott, that’s where it starts — inside.”

Now with Scott in the fold, Miami has a top-10 recruiting class in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and a centerpiece prospect on the books. Scott is now one of six top-100 prospects committed to the Hurricanes.

“He’s a versatile guy, he had every offer on the table. Took OVs to Georgia, Ohio State, Miami, Notre Dame…he could’ve gone wherever he wanted to go,” Simmons said of Scott. “This is a statement victory for Mario Cristobal, Joe Salave’a, Jason Taylor, analyst Steve Schrum was in the mix as well…so a very big win on the trail late for Cristobal and the University of Miami.”