The Miami Hurricanes got a really good one in the transfer portal in former Auburn Tiger Keionte Scott. The Canes’ starting nickel corner has been as good as any nickel corner in the nation this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, a company that specializes is grading football performances at the CFB and NFL levels, Scott is the top-graded cornerback – regardless of inside or outside – in the nation with a 90.5 grade. He earned his nod as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, which was announced last month.
He’s been a true weapon for Miami in the slot, both in coverage and in blitz packages, as he’s totaled 14 pressures, 3 sacks, and 4 passes defended for the Hurricanes.
Scott has been a true chess piece for DC Corey Hetherman, and now Miami’s defense will have to figure out how to adjust with him off the field. Corey Hetherman will have to find a way to account for the pressure he brought off the edge as well as his coverage skills on opposite slot receivers. He has been Miami’s most targeted defensive back this season according to PFF, as he’s been targeted 37 times this season with 24 catches allowed for 194 yards and no touchdowns. Opposing passers have a 66.7 rating when targeting him. That’s pretty damned good.
So, naturally, it’ll be next man up for the Hurricanes, and we’ll find out on Saturday who that will be. Best guess at this point is Isaiah Taylor, who logged 21 snaps – all at nickel – against Syracuse last weekend in place of Scott.
It’s a particularly cruel bit of luck for Miami, as Scott was having a terrific season that really helped put what was an abhorrent performance by the Hurricanes’ defense in 2024 – and particularly their secondary – in the rearview mirror a bit. Here’s hoping that his absence doesn’t rock the boat too much of what’s been a very good unit overall this season.
