From under-the-radar leader to breakout star, it’s finally Gee Scott Jr.’s time to shine

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Standing 6-foot-2 and change and weighing approximately 210 pounds – with blocking chops to boot – Gee Scott Jr. was more than just a physical presence coming out of high school. He was also billed as one of the most technically sound wide receivers in the 2020 recruiting class. That total package caught the eye and attention of Ohio State WR coach Brian Hartline, who pursued Scott Jr. aggressively and signed him as part of a class that also included WRs Julian Fleming and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

And while Scott Jr. was “only” the third-highest-rated WR signed by Hartline and OSU in that 2020 class, he still finished the cycle as WR5 and the No. 37 player overall. So expectations were set very high for the top player coming out of Washington, just as they were for J.T. Tuimoloau the following year (a fellow Washingtonian turned Buckeye). But unlike Tuimoloau, JSN, and Fleming (all to varying degrees), Scott Jr. did not experience early success in Columbus.

In his first three college seasons combined, Scott Jr. totaled just 10 receptions for 70 yards and a single touchdown. He was also moved to a different position, tight end, that does not traditionally get or see a ton of looks in Ryan Day’s offense. On top of all that – and being asked/required to add weight, learn how to block linemen and linebackers, etc. – Jeremy Ruckert and (then) Cade Stover were firmly entrenched as starters ahead of Scott Jr.

But rather than developing a bad attitude and/or letting those perceived (by some) setbacks get him down, Scott Jr. continued to grind and sharpen his new skills, while also becoming a fan favorite, a highly respected leader, and a seemingly beloved teammate. Now as a 6’3”, 245-pound fifth-year player, he is set to potentially start at TE, and at the very least, play a significant role for an Ohio State team with serious national title aspirations.

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

As for what Scott Jr. brings to the TE position and the Buckeyes – and thus makes him a player to watch – look for Day and Chip Kelly to try and take advantage of the former’s above-average athleticism, sure hands, and “WR muscle memory.” Remember, we’re not talking about a guy who came up as a tight end or whose athletic traits limited him to said position. Scott Jr. was a borderline five-star WR who finished his senior season of HS ball with 1,500 yards and 15 TDs. And while he was never considered a speed demon at that (WR) position, he does (or did, in HS) boast an above-average 40 times for TEs. The fifth-year pass-catcher also posted an elite shuttle run and vertical jump in HS, as measured by nfldraftbuzz.com.

Admittedly, that was five years ago, and it is entirely possible that Scott Jr. has lost a step while concurrently gaining mass. But as someone who has watched and rooted for OSU’s most experienced returning TE for several seasons now, I would say that he (still) possesses plenty of juice.

Scott Jr. is also a willing – and I would argue above-average – blocker. Especially for a player who only transitioned to TE a few years ago. Is he going to be confused for George Kittle anytime soon? Probably not. But Scott Jr. is going to stick his nose in there and give maximum effort when attempting to block or open up holes for TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, Will Howard, etc.

And at the end of the day, I believe that sure hands and consistent effort are all that Ohio State really needs from the TE position. However, I fully expect Scott Jr. to give and produce more than just a few catches and the occasional solid block in 2024. I am anticipating a breakout of sorts, and I would not be surprised if Scott Jr. nearly doubles his career receptions total (20) in just one season.

But even if he does not set the world on fire with his production, Gee Scott Jr. is almost assuredly going to light up the OSU locker room with his presence and leadership. And that alone makes him a player worth watching.