Finding the right fit for your college football program isn't just about what happens on the field, but off it as well. Today, Ohio State added a key piece. How will that commitment impact the Buckeyes?
The Buckeyes secured a nice little Christmas commitment today in the form of four-star wide receiver Gee Scott Jr. A player that Brian Hartline and the staff have zeroed in on since his trip to Columbus in October, he's the sixth commitment for Ryan Day and Ohio State's 2020 recruiting class.
Let's take a closer look at what Scott Jr. – the No. 70 prospect overall in the Class of 2020 – brings to Columbus.
ON THE FIELD
At 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds and while only a junior, Scott already has the measurables you look for in a collegiate wideout. While he's not a guy who's going to a 4.3 in the forty, he can absolutely use his size and physical style to outman opposing defensive backs. He's packed on some pounds since early on his career (the good kind of pounds) and his film shows a player who has no problems from a physicality standpoint.
.@geescottjr 2020 WR will be giving a college program a Xmas gift tomorrow! What I love about my job the most is I get to actually develop kids and watch them grow from boys to young men! Another good one from the FSP Program will be making his college decision tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/KeEQYR3B07
— Tracy Ford (@TFordFSP) December 25, 2018
Catch radius is something you really look for with these bigger receivers since most don't possess the quickness as the smaller, shiftier slot wideouts. The hands, ball tracking, and ability to go up and get it are all areas in which Scott excels. His 247 Sports profile lists Anquan Boldin as a player comparison. He's already earned an invitation to the 2020 Polynesian Bowl.
The speed, the hands, the mid-route adjustment...@geescottjr can really do it all @ECCrusaders pic.twitter.com/h8ySkyx0W8
— Who's Next (@WhosNextHS) December 23, 2018
IN THE CLASS
Scott joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the two early wide receiver commitments in Ohio State's 2020 class. The Buckeyes have signed just a pair thus far for 2019 in Garrett Wilson and Jameson Williams, so this is going to be another position of great need for 2020.
The Sammamish, Washington product has moved around a bit and caught passes from all over the field, but given his size and physical nature it's probably safe to pencil him in as an outside receiver at Ohio State. With two already in the fold, we look for the Buckeyes to add at least two more receivers (and perhaps even three) for the Class of 2020.
Hartline will continue to focus on Julian Fleming – the country's top wideout – along with the likes of Rakim Jarrett and A.J. Henning. The unit is off to a heck of a start with Scott Jr. and Smith-Njigba, but there's certainly going to be room for another wideout or two; and at least one of the slot variety.
THE INTANGIBLES
Though only a junior, Gee Scott Jr. seems to have a firm understanding of the recruiting process. He's already taken multiple trips across the country and checked out several of America's powerhouse programs. It probably goes without saying that he's been thorough in evaluating his options and today's decision to commit to Ohio State was hardly a spur-of-the-moment type of thing like we've seen with numerous recruits in the past.
Describing himself as a bit of a natural born leader, Scott recently helped to lead Eastside Catholic to Washington's Class 3A state championship. A lot of his work ethic can be attributed to his father, Gee Sr. The country's No. 15 wideout was seriously considering Notre Dame before pledging to the Buckeyes, and Irish Sports Daily gave a nice glimpse into what's helped to motivate the family.
The elder Scott discussed his 11 years of experience washing cars in one of the Seattle Seahawks' parking lots and how he used that as motivation to change his routine and mentality. That change has certainly taken him places as he now has his own show on the Seahawks' website called "Driving With Gee." He's even had the chance to sit down with former Buckeye Nick Vannett while en route to a pilates class. The two were able to discuss Ohio State's 62-39 drubbing of the Wolverines.
In the interview with Irish Sports Daily, Scott noted that his newfound mentality and outlook worked so well for him that he figured his son could use a bit of the same.
“That’s the truth,” he says. “He never complained one time. He trusted me the entire time. After school, he would come home, do his homework and then I would take him up to LA Fitness and let him play basketball against the grown-ups…That’s where he would go every single day after school. He didn’t go and play video games with his buddies, but again, he never complained.” Via
For Ryan Day and Brian Hartline, landing a wideout with the size, physicality, and work ethic of Gee Scott Jr. has to bring an extra bit of excitement to the holiday season.
