4-star CB Aaron Scott Jr. announces top five schools

Springfield (Ohio) four-star cornerback Aaron Scott Jr. holds offers from more than 30 programs. He is considering only five programs going forward.

Scott Jr. recently announced that Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee are his top schools. The 5-foot-11.5, 165-pound defensive back — who hopes to announce his commitment before his senior season — has already locked in official visits to Oregon (June 9-11), Michigan (June 16-18) and Ohio State (June 23-25).

“The defensive scheme and just having the deepest connection with these coaches, not just my position coach, but the whole staff,” Scott Jr. told On3 about why his finalists made the cut. “… I feel like I need to play in a defense that has my strengths.”

Scott Jr. hears from his finalists every day. However, he feels like Michigan and Ohio State are recruiting him the hardest.

The Buckeyes have hosted Scott Jr. five times, while he has visited the Wolverines and Volunteers twice. Meanwhile, he has seen the Ducks and Nittany Lions once.

“I’d say I’m definitely getting close to a decision,” said Scott Jr., the No. 13 overall prospect and No. 2 cornerback in the 2024 On300. “I feel like I’ve got the school in my head, but I’m still deciding, so I feel like the OVs are really going to determine what it’s like, especially being around the other recruits and commits there and getting to talk to them a little bit. I feel like it’s going to help me out a little bit.”

Multiple coaches from across the country are pushing to land Scott Jr. They include Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State secondary coach/cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, Michigan defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale, Oregon cornerbacks backs coach Demetrice Martin, Penn State cornerbacks coach Terry Smith and Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel.

“It’s really 50-50 right now in my head with the schools,” Scott Jr. said. “Going there and getting that feeling, that’s what I think it’ll come down to.”

Scott Jr. discusses his top five schools

Michigan: “Their defensive scheme interests me. I love pressing man-to-man, making it harder for the receivers… I feel like their defensive scheme and the defensive coordinator (Jesse Minter), they’re doing something special. They have an NFL-type defense, so it will help prepare you for the next level when you get there.”

Ohio State: “They’re super close and I grew up watching them. They talk to me every day. When I get on the phone with Coach Day, he tells me whatever I need, he’s got me and we can make it happen whenever I’m ready.”

Oregon: “That was my dream school growing up. I liked to stay up late and watch their games. I feel like being able to go to a dream school is a dream come true. Why not go to your dream school?”

Penn State: “I feel like their defense is real and they’re doing something special. Coach Smith, he develops the corners. He brings in three-stars and get them drafted. They’re doing something special in the DB room right now.”

Tennessee: “Coach Heup, he’s been on me. I feel like they’re doing something special. They’ve been having very nice, consistent seasons. They’ve got DBs leaving, so I feel when I get there, I’ll have a great possibility to play right away.”