Countdown to 2019 IUFB Kickoff: 21 Days (Stevie Scott)

Written by T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

2019 Countdown - #21

Name – Stevie Scott

Position – Running Back (Sophomore)

Hometown – Syracuse, New York (Christian Brothers)

Height – 6’2”

Weight – 233 pounds

The 2019 Hoosier Huddle Countdown is just about 80% complete and we are now only three weeks away from the season opening clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Ball State Cardinals on August 31! Today’s countdown piece focuses on one of the best returning pieces on either side of the ball, sophomore running back Stevie Scott.

Stevie Scott was a punishing linebacker and running back for Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York. He earned 2016 all-state honors and rushed for 2,500 yards with 42 touchdowns in his sophomore and junior seasons. However, he was injured early into his senior season and the interest surrounding his recruitment was dampened. Scott was committed to Rutgers but IU running backs coach Mike Hart grew up in the same area as the young prospect and knew him quite well. He continued to stay engaged with him and when the Scarlet Knights offensive coordinator (Jerry Kill) retired, Hart flipped his commitment to IU. It was unclear if Scott would be at running back or linebacker but when incumbent starter Morgan Ellison was booted from the program, the decision made: Stevie Scott was a running back. Cole Gest was injured early in the 2018 season and suddenly, the 6’2” freshman was the go-to guy in the IU backfield. Thankfully, he was more than ready for the spotlight. Stevie Scott rushed 20 times for 70 yards in the season opening victory at Florida International. He then burst onto the scene and announced himself as a force with a 204 yard performance against Virginia. He had standout games against Michigan (139 yards with a TD), Purdue (104 yards with a TD) and Maryland (103 yards with a TD) and finished the season by rewriting the IU freshman record book in yards (1,137), attempts (228), touchdowns (ten) and 100-yard games (six). Scott was second in the country amongst true freshmen for rushing yardage and third for rushing scores. It was a standout campaign and by all accounts, Scott is hungry for more.

Tom Allen has publicly spoken of Scott’s desire to continue working and that the sophomore is not satisfied or content with what he accomplished in 2018. He is working behind a veteran offensive line, has another year of work with IU’s strength and conditioning program and understands what to expect from the college game. All of the pieces are in place for an All-Big Ten type season. He only had 18 receptions last season, ball security was a minor concern and there were times when a lack of true breakaway speed prevented bigger gains. If those things can be improved upon, Scott could be in line for a monster season under new OC Kalen DeBoer. Now, it is very possible that he sees the ball a little bit less this season. Cole Gest is healthy, Ronnie Walker is ready to go as a sophomore and IU brought in Sampson James and Ivory Winters. However, Scott is the undisputed number one running back and a building block for an IU offense hoping to reach the next level.

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown continues each day so check back daily!