Former UM Cornerback Star Shines in NFL Preseason Debut
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The NFL preseason is underway and several former Miami Hurricanes football players are getting their first taste of the action, including cornerback Keionte Scott.
On Friday against the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' fourth-round rookie played in 17 coverage snaps, allowed five yards, broke up a pass, and finished with an 81.3 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus. He had two solo tackles in limited action.
Scott was one of the most prolific cornerbacks in this year’s NFL Draft class. He came off a career season with the Hurricanes: 64 total tackles, 42 solos and 22 assists, 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, five passes broken up in seven defended, and two pick-sixes. Scott was a key leader for the Hurricanes’ defense, which ranked fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
In the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, Scott had a 72-yard pick-six against Ohio State. It’s the second-longest interception returned in the format’s history. Scott received the Felix R. McKnight Trophy, named the Defensive Player of the Game.
The 25-year-old looks to bring that same intensity from South Florida to Tampa. Scott can solidify a rotational role on the Buccaneers’ secondary. He’s off to a strong start on the NFL journey.
After the last college football season concluded, Scott finished as one of two cornerbacks to be in the top 10 in both run defense grade (91.2 – first) and coverage grade (87.1 – eighth), according to Pro Football Focus. In mid-November, he was graded the top cornerback in college football (90.5 – first).
Despite all the individual talents and on-field production, Scott was the 14th cornerback taken. However, he couldn’t have gotten to a better situation. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has a defensive background in the NFL, serving as the franchise’s defensive coordinator before being promoted in 2022.
Although Scott is above the average age for a rookie, his six-year college football experience will be beneficial and translate to the pros. He’s set on making the roster – signing a four-year, $5.5 million contract, including $1.2 million guaranteed.
With the business side of football taken care of, Scott can focus strictly on the on-field production.
Despite leaving a void in the Hurricanes’ secondary, the San Diego, California, native brings intensity to the Buccaneers. Whether it’s pass coverage, blitzing the quarterback, or run coverage, Scott can be utilized in a variety of ways, which will shine on Sundays.
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