Five-Star DL Justin Scott commits to Ohio State

Five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott of Chicago (IL) St. Ignatius High announced his commitment to Ohio State Sunday night.

The 6-foot-5, 315 pounder chose the Buckeyes over Miami, Michigan, Georgia, and Notre Dame.

Scott on why he chose Ohio State

“Yeah so going into the visit my fam was heavily set on Michigan and throughout the visit they were really still set on Michigan. But towards the end of it, coach Johnson sat us down and went over an in depth plan that they had for me. Academic honors, Badnarik award, etc.”

Ohio State’s track record for producing NFL DL

“Compared to the other defensive line coaches that were in my top 5, his resume was far superior. And just the stability he had there, he’s been there for 10 years.”

Justin Scott Scouting Summary

“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.”

The Illinois defensive lineman joins coach Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ top 3 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, four-star quarterback Air Noland, and others.

Scott ranks as the No. 9 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 2 defensive lineman and the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $311K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Personal Life (via On3)

“Justin Scott’s first passion was basketball. He grew up playing the sport, traveling all over the country in the spring and summer on the AAU circuit. That was until Chicago St. Ignatius head football coach Matt Miller heard about Scott’s athletic talents when he arrived at school as a freshman. “At first, I just heard about this big kid walking the halls at St. Ignatius,” Miller told On3’s Chad Simmons. “I talked with Justin, and he was interested in playing football for the first time, and talking to mom (Thelma Redmond) 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.” Boy did they. Scott developed into one of the nation’s top recruits, and he had his first scholarship offer after playing in only two varsity games. “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,” Miller said. “Justin is unique because of his size and skill, and he is only going to get better.”