Top Ranked Justin Scott Explains Flip from Ohio State to Miami

Scott Burgess December 4, 2023 @ 12:00 PM

Prep Redzone Illinois' top ranked 2024 St. Ignatius defensive tackle Justin Scott Justin Scott 6'5" | 315 lbs | DL St. Ignatius College Prep | 2024 State IL is one of the premier five-star defensive lineman in the country. The explosive interior defender had been committed to Ohio State since July, but last week he flipped his commitment from the Buckeyes to Miami. Prep Redzone Illinois exclusively spoke with Scott about the decision.

“Originally Miami had always been one of those schools that I was fond of. I had been there three or four times. One thing that held me back was my mom wasn't comfortable with me going there at the time with it being that far from home. After talking some things through with her I was able to make the flip.”

The timing of the flip was interesting considering it came right after the Buckeyes lost for a third year in a row to rival Michigan.

“Honestly that game had no play in it. I am not a big recruiting guy. Once I knew it was something I wanted to do I wanted to get it over with.”

What was the conversation with the Ohio State staff like?

“I just told them thank you for everything you have done and that Ohio State wasn't the place for me.”

Smith discussed his fit at Miami along their defensive front.

“I think I am going to fit pretty well. We see this past season what they were able to do with Rueben Bain and just talking with the coaches they are talking about using me as that versatile D-Lineman playing anywhere from a three to a five being able to go inside and out.”

He already has a few local 2025 targets he is trying to get to join him along with another potential five-star flip from Ohio State to the U.