Miami Hurricanes trending for 5-star DL Justin Scott

Chicago (Ill.) St. Ignatius five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott has already set official visits to Georgia (June 2), Miami (June 16) and Ohio State (June 23). A little more than a month before those trips, the Hurricanes are leading for his commitment.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Miami is trending for Scott at 44.8%, followed closely by Notre Dame at 37.4%. The Hurricanes’ odds rose following industry updates.

“Justin Scott locked in his Miami official visit before the spring and the Hurricanes secured their place on his radar in April,” Stephen Wagner of CaneSport said. “Scott effectively took a week-long unofficial visit to Miami in mid-April capped by the Hurricanes’ spring game on April 14. Miami has made it clear it plans to be a key contender for Scott as the Canes look to land a splash commitment in the 2024 class.”

Scott is the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 1 player in Illinois. 

On3 rates Scott higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per the 2024 On300, he is the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound defender spent March 13-14 and March 11 visiting Coral Gables. He also saw Mario Cristobal‘s program on Oct. 8.

“It’s been a real good visit,” Scott told Gary Ferman of Canesport on April 14. “I enjoyed my time down here, getting to see everything here, see the coaches here, just being able to build relationships, get more comfortable, walk around campus and see everybody here.”

Scott would be a massive recruiting win for Miami

After signing a top-10 class last year, Miami has recently gained momentum on the recruiting trail. The Hurricanes have landed six of their seven commitments since April 7.

Right now, Miami’s 2024 recruiting class is No. 24 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 3 in the ACC. It is led by Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star wide receiver Chance Robinson.

“They were telling me that a guy like me is a program changer,” Scott told On3’s Chad Simmons about Miami on Jan. 9. “It’s the same thing, just the opportunity of being able to come in and compete, just being able to get some playing time immediately.”

The Illinois native originally planned to commit on Jan. 31, but decided to push back his decision.

“I definitely thought that I was kind of rushing it,” Scott shared with Simmons on Jan. 26. “I hadn’t even taken any officials and really, when you look at it, I really haven’t even been to that many places. I just wanted to maximize the opportunities cause you only get this once. I just want to enjoy it. I felt like there was no need to just rush this commitment. The last thing I want to be is committed and still take visits. When I commit to a school, I want to be locked in with that school and just shut down my recruitment.”