Former Hurricane star reflects on his journey through college on the brink of the NFL Draft 

For Keionte Scott, the NFL Combine is more than just the next step to his future in the NFL, but rather the latest chapter in a college journey that turned him into the star that he is today. A journey that tested him and shaped him into what he calls a “Swiss-Army knife” at his position.  

“Being versatile,” Scott responded when asked what makes a great “star” at his position during media at the NFL Combine. “When you look at the position, it’s a very unique position. At times you got to be a defensive end, a linebacker, safety, corner, so I think it’s the ability to be a Swiss army knife.” 

That versatility for Scott became a regular for him during his senior season with the Hurricanes. For Scott, he struck eyes during his 2025-26 season serving in that “hybrid” defensive back role, whether he was lining up in the slot, near the edge or in the box. He finished the year with 64 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions, with both being pick-sixes.  

But Scott’s path to stardom wasn’t easy.  

Before going to Miami, Scott’s journey first started at Snow College in Utah at the JUCO level, where he was then ranked as the No. 1 JUCO cornerback and No. 3 overall JUCO prospect in the 2022 class before committing to Auburn. Following the 2024 season, he would transfer from Auburn to Houston, before then ultimately committing to Miami.  

Scott credited his JUCO experience for turning him into the player he is. “It turned me into a dawg. You go there and it’s a constant battle,” Scott said. “One thing people don’t know is when you start to pick up offers, it turns you into a bigger target at times. You got offensive tackles running way out of their formation to come get film on you.”

His journey through college led him to Coral Gables in 2025, where he instantly became a fan-favorite throughout Miami. “Coach Cristobal recruited me in JUCO, and we had a great relationship,” Scott said. Even after transferring from Auburn to Houston and then to Miami, that relationship remained strong.  

“Being a good guy at times can pay off in the long run, and it did,” Scott said. “That transition coming from Auburn then Houston and then getting to Miami it felt super comfortable based off not even having to tell the head coach your name.” 

Now in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, Keionte Scott shifts his focus on showing NFL teams that his ability as a Swiss-Army knife at his position will translate to the next level.  

For Scott, the Combine isn’t only about drills and media, but instead proof that battles from JUCO practices to being a main factor in your teams’ run to the College Football Playoff National Championship were worth it. And now, the next step in his battle awaits Sundays in Fall.  

(Photo Credit: Christian Proscia, NewEraPrep)