St. Ignatius Lineman Justin Scott Commits to Ohio State, Becoming the State’s Top Prospect
St. Ignatius High School in Illinois has produced some impressive football talent over the years, but none quite like Justin Scott. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive lineman has made quite a name for himself on the gridiron, earning the title of the state’s best player and now committing to play for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Scott’s journey to becoming a highly sought-after recruit started during his freshman year at St. Ignatius. Word of his natural athleticism and size quickly spread throughout the school, catching the attention of football coach Matt Miller. Although Scott had primarily focused on basketball up until that point, it was clear that he possessed a special talent for the game of football.
During his freshman season, Scott played on the St. Ignatius freshman team as a fullback. It didn’t take long for him to showcase his abilities, breaking off a 50-yard touchdown run that left everyone in awe. Miller knew then that Scott was destined for greatness.
As the years went by, Scott’s talent continued to shine. He excelled on both the offensive and defensive lines, earning him numerous accolades and attention from college recruiters. Offers began pouring in during his junior season, with schools like Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, and Michigan vying for his commitment.
It seemed like Scott was on the verge of committing to Michigan when a visit to Ohio State changed everything. The opportunity to be coached by renowned defensive line coach Larry Johnson was a game-changer for Scott. He saw the potential for growth and development at Ohio State that he couldn’t ignore, ultimately leading to his decision to become a Buckeye.
Scott’s commitment to Ohio State solidifies his status as the state’s top prospect. Ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman in the class of 2024 and the 14th player overall in the 247Sports composite rankings, he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Looking ahead, Miller envisions Scott as a 3-technique lineman in college, a position where he can continue to utilize his impressive size, skill, and athleticism. While most schools saw him fitting in on the defensive side of the ball, Alabama saw his potential as an offensive lineman and pursued him accordingly.
Throughout the recruiting process, Scott has remained grounded and focused on his goals. Despite waking up to a staggering 102 text messages on a single day during his junior year, he has managed to navigate the attention and stay true to himself. Scott’s dedication and humility have left a lasting impression on those around him.
In addition to Scott’s commitment, another top Illinois prospect has made his college choice. Marquise Lightfoot, a talented edge rusher from Kenwood High School, has committed to the University of Miami. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound senior had his fair share of offers from top programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Illinois. Ultimately, Lightfoot felt that Miami was the best fit for him.
Both Scott and Lightfoot’s commitments underscore the incredible talent that can be found in Illinois high school football. With their decisions made, they can now focus on their senior seasons and prepare for the next chapter of their careers. Exciting times lie ahead for these talented athletes, and fans eagerly await their contributions at the collegiate level.
Keywords: St. Ignatius, Justin Scott, Ohio State, defensive lineman, commitment, top prospect, football, recruiting, Matt Miller, athleticism, size, potential, basketball, varsity, offers, rankings, Larry Johnson, 3-technique, Alabama, Marquise Lightfoot, edge rusher, Miami, high school football.
