{mosimage} True Freshman Cornerback James Scott has seen limited action so far in 2007, mainly on special teams (8 tackles, fumble recover). As a senior, he was ranked #10 overall by Rivals (profile) and #12 overall by Scout (Profile) for the cornerback position. He was offered by all the SEC big boys and it's always key for Ohio State to effectively sprinkle in some Florida speed and skill. OSU was the only norther school he considered, so it was a surprise to me when he committed.

Word is leaking that the OSU coaches are pumped about James Scott, who hails from Seabreeze High School. But they are not comparing him to other Florida guys, rather, Ohio native and current NFL corner Antoine Winfield. Winfield is one of my favorite Buckeye players. He was pund-for-pound the toughest guy on the field every game. Winfield was drafted in the 1st round by the Buffalo Bills in 1999 ans was then traded to the Minnesota Vikings where he still plays. In total he has 711 tackles (637 solo) and 18 INT's. He hits like a ton of bricks so just the mention of Winfield when talking about a player gets me fired up.

I have scoured the net and found some positive leads for video, but all urls were "invalid" for the free video. Take it from me, his High School video is impressive as a hard hitting cornerback, kick returner and running back.

Here is some copy and pastes from around the web. I'll keep an eye out for some video.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/

May 01, 2007
Great start for Scott
By MICHAEL LEWIS
Staff Writer

"I walk out there and there's 75,000 people in the stands, and this is just for the spring game, you know?" Scott said by phone from Columbus. "So I was trying to play it cool, but then at one point I looked up and saw myself on the Jumbotron, and it shook me a little bit."

Taves Johnson is Ohio State's defensive backs coach, and said he's been "very impressed" with Scott's intelligence and ability to learn quickly.

"He's a real smart kid and he hasn't had trouble with anything we've thrown at him," Johnson said. "He's got a great burst of speed and he's got really good football instincts.

"I like him a lot so far."

Johnson said it's too soon to tell whether Scott will be redshirted this fall, a luxury powerhouse programs like Ohio State frequently use. The coach said the decision likely will be made during summer workouts when the season gets closer.

"James needs to get a little stronger in the weight room, like all freshmen do," Johnson said. "But I don't foresee him having any problems helping our team."

Ranked as the number 10 cornerback in the Nation coming out of high school, James Scott is known to be a hard hitter. Since joining the buckeyes in the spring ’07, his reputation has stayed true. Although he only measures in at only 5’10 165 lbs, Coaches are impressed with his physical play during fall camp scrimmage.

“James Scott had a hit where he knocked someone’s helmet right off,” commented Coach Tressel, “the helmet went almost 15 yards!”

Scott was a two-time second-team All-Florida, and was the No. 11 overall recruit from the state. He finished his last two years of high school with over 120 tackles and 7 interceptions. Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach dubbed Scott, “The Play-Maker”, for his closing speed and ability to knock any running back unconscious. With participation in spring ball, and impressive camp stats, the red-shirt is unlikely to be in this player’s future. He is sure to see time with special teams to find an early start on the field, and hopes to find playing time under Donald Washington and Malcolm Jenkins at cornerback.

He recently joined the buckeyes as a true freshman, but by the way he hits like a hammer and covers like a glove, Scott could be the next great cornerback for Ohio State.

GO BUCKS!
By Carling Coffing, an OSU senior majoring in communications

Beetlejuice: The Buckeyes made some gaffs against Washington, but they also made some big plays. Among them were a forced fumble and recovery of a kickoff in the second half that led to an OSU touchdown. Freshman defensive back James Scott, who made the recovery, has already earned a nickname with his teammates.

"James Scott, number 11, we call him Beetlejuice," said Kirk Barton.

"We were fortunate we got the ball on the ground and Beetlejuice recovered it and we were in good shape."

Barton explained the origin of the rather unusual nickname.

"You know on Howard Stern, little Beetlejuice, that's what he looks like," said a grinning Barton.

Here is some old video of Winfield. I Can't find much from his Buckeye days.

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