Keionte Scott is back: Auburn DB announces his return for senior season

AUBURN — Auburn football received big news on Monday when defensive back Keionte Scott announced he is returning for his senior season.

In two seasons since coming to Auburn from the junior college ranks, Scott has racked up 94 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, eight pass deflections, while averaging over 12 yards per punt return and taking one to the house against Arkansas this past season.

Scott finished with 41 tackles this past season, but missed the Texas A&M, Georgia and LSU games after suffering an ankle injury against Samford in week three.

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Hugh Freeze, Ron Roberts, as well as teammates, all consider Scott an unquestioned leader in the Auburn football program.

“You always get the best from him,” Freeze said of Scott during fall camp.

Last spring, then defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff said of Scott, “I see a dynamic player. I see a guy that can impact the game, a guy who can play at a high level, who loves football. When he comes to work every day, he’s prepared. He’s got his notebook, he’s a serious-minded individual. When he gets on the grass, you can see his performance. That guy can really impact the game.”

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And following teammate Jaylin Simpson‘s early-season injury, Simpson referenced Scott’s work ethic and determination to return in aiding his own return. It’s worth the read to take in Simpson’s thoughts below.

“Keionte, even when I was hurt, I had to go in the training room and do things with him, so we were both doing the same exercises. I was down and he kept me up. His hopes of coming back to play real fast and he came back fast. I’m not surprised he did what he did because he was on it every day. It was real,” Simpson said of Scott’s quick recovery. “I was hurt when I heard he was out and having surgery. I’m real proud of him for sure. He helped me get back on the field. If it wasn’t for him, I might not have been on the field for that LSU game.

“I’d be out there like my leg is hurting and he’s like, ‘one percent.’ He kept saying one percent, meaning get better each day. He’s so determined and I’ve been playing more than him so I know he wants to play as bad as me. Let me get my mind right and who knows, maybe I would have had a bad mindset if he wasn’t there with me? Without him, I give him credit for my return. His return is very good for our defense.”

Pro Football Focus graded Scott as Auburn’s fifth-best defender last season behind DJ James, Marcus Harris, Jalen McLeod and Simpson.

James has accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl and isn’t expected to return. Harris is contemplating whether to enter the NFL Draft or return for one more season. McLeod is expected to return, while Simpson hasn’t made a final decision yet regarding entering the NFL Draft or returning for one more season.

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What does Keionte Scott’s return mean?

Scott is the most versatile player on Auburn’s defense and his return is significant given the evolution that will happen in the Tigers’ secondary from 2023 to 2024. Scott will provide leadership and proven ability as the secondary is rebuilt. Will Scott move to the outside and try his hand at cornerback on the perimeter? He has the athletic ability to do so. Or, will he stick inside at nickel and allow some young cornerbacks like Kayin Lee and others to rise up the ranks? Either way, Scott’s return is a big deal on and off the field for this program. Impact of Scott’s return: Major