10 for 10: Oregon Defensive Tackle Jordon Scott Will be Freshman All-American

Welcome to our newest series “10 for 10,” which will help us countdown to kick off. The Ducks are just eight days away from opening day vs Southern Utah at Autzen Stadium. For the next 10 days, we will be posting our projections for the upcoming season.

Let’s get started, here is the No. 8 projection of the 2017 season:

#8 - JORDON SCOTT GETS DEFENSIVE

At 6-foot-1 and 333 pounds, Jordon Scott clearly has a massive presence. Even for a true freshman, he looks like a man among boys. On the field, Scott has been playing like it since he arrived in Eugene.

The Largo product was the No. 5 ranked defensive tackle from the talented state of Florida. However, he was not as heralded on the d-line as others. He was the 51st ranked DT in the nation and the No. 106 overall prospect from the state of Florida.

With Clemson transfer Scott Pagano recovering from injury for most of the summer, Jordon Scott has made the most of his opportunity. After three weeks of fall training camp, the true freshman is ready to assume a large role for the 2017 season.

Not only is Scott a serious player, but he knows how to have some fun too. Watching him at camp, I’ve seen a guy that players love being around. Whether he is making teammates laugh or singing karaoke on Instagram Live, Scott is a great influence.

On the field, he is a monster with elevated strength. Don’t let his weight fool you, he is quick and athletic with a strong base. He has very active hands which is a great trait for anyone in Jim Leavitt’s 3-4 defense. Most importantly, he adds much-needed depth.

The commitment of Scott was gigantic for the program. The Ducks are lacking after the second unit and Scott helps provide some insurance. Without him, it would be literal tough sledding at the defensive nose tackle spot whenever Pagano is out.

Here is a list of offers the 2017 class DT received over his high school career:

Arizona, Boston College, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, Minnesota, Navy, Ole Miss, Oregon State, Rutgers, South Florida, Tennessee, Toledo, USC and West Virginia.

Photo courtesy of Tony Piraro

Entering his senior year, Pagano knows what is being asked of him in the college game. His time OFF the field has helped bring the freshman along quicker ON the field this August. It may be a blessing in disguise if both are healthy at the end of the season.

Scott’s impact will be felt across the field. Oregon’s head coach knows this football team has a reputation to uphold on offense and defense.

“There were a lot of people that came before us (at Oregon) that worked their tail off to get us the things that we have here,” Willie Taggart stated. “We need to make sure we put in the work to get the program back where it belongs.”

THE AARON JUDGE RULING

Like Deommodore Lenoir, Scott is yet another true freshman that will be leading Oregon by example this season. This beast will record 51 tackles and 37 solos. Jordon Scott will sack an opposing quarterback 4.5 times this season, but it’s the pressure he will create that will cause the most destruction. His team-leading 21 QB pressures will lead to a host of interceptions by the Ducks’ athletic secondary. Scott will control the line of scrimmage for a team-best 13.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, three forced fumbles and one blocked field goal. The “kid” can really do it all. He will be honored with Pac-12 freshman hardware, but the most prestigious award will be his nomination to the 2017 Freshman All-American Team. The scary part; Scott is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

Part 4 of 10 for 10 will be published on Saturday, right here at ATQ!

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