Once Eric Scott Jr. had the ball in his hands, the outcome seemed inevitable.
Southern Miss was leading Tulane 20-17 midway through the fourth quarter in an FBS clash this past season. The Green Wave were trying to take back the lead, but they faced third and 6 on their own 29-yard line.
Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt threw in hopes of keeping the drive alive, but his pass was tipped. Scott remained focused, kept his eyes on the ball, and then grabbed it for an interception.
Even after a receiver tried tackling him, Scott remained on his feet. He outraced his opponents to the end zone and dove to the pylon to score a touchdown, providing his team a two-possession advantage. And that wasn’t even his first pick-six of the season.
Scott has the potential to change the course of games in a hurry.
What Team Drafted Eric Scott Jr.?
Eric Scott Jr. was drafted by Dallas in round 6, No. 178 overall
Eric Scott Jr. Stats And Highlights
Scott was a three-star prospect out of Basehor-Linwood High School in Kansas. After playing 11 junior college games at Butler College, he joined Southern Miss.
In Scott’s first season there in 2020, he made five starts and recorded 31 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception. The next season, he totaled 20 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and two fumble recoveries.
In 2022, Scott tallied a career-best 27 tackles, two for loss, with seven passes defended. He returned both of his interceptions last year for touchdowns.
Eric Scott Jr. Draft Projection
Scott will likely be selected around the sixth round of the NFL Draft. However, some believe he could fall to the seventh round or go undrafted.
Eric Scott Jr. Draft Profile
Scott made game-changing plays several times in his career.
In the LendingTree Bowl last season, Southern Miss was up 31-24 early in the fourth quarter, but Rice was threatening to take the lead on fourth and 6 just nine yards from the goal line.
When the wide receiver that Scott lined up across from pretended he was going to cut inside toward the middle of the field, Scott didn’t bite on the fake. Instead, he closed in on the ensuing pass near the sideline in the end zone and batted it away.
This helped his team go on to win and finish the season 7-6 overall.
Quarterbacks tried throwing Scott’s way just 36 times last season, and he allowed only 18 receptions. His 184 passing yards allowed was fifth in the country among cornerbacks who played at least 50% of the most snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Scott is physical at the line of scrimmage and doesn’t shy away from delivering a hit, though he could be more assertive with contributing to run defense. He’s also fluid with his technique when he’s dropping back and possesses good closing speed.
At 6-foot, 197 pounds, Scott has the size and quickness to make it difficult for wide receivers to gain any sort of separation. That is certainly something NFL teams will consider.
