Mario Cristobal has said throughout the week that star defensive back Keionte Scott could return to the field for Miami’s playoff game against Texas A&M on Saturday.
On Wednesday, the Hurricanes listed Scott as probable on the initial availability report. Additionally, the Hurricanes listed Damari Brown as questionable, linebacker Malik Bryant was out and wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw as doubtful.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCristobal said Scott has been practicing and progressing toward playing.
“He looks OK, looks like he’s certainly progressing,” Cristobal said Wednesday. “He’s getting a fair amount of reps. And again, I stated on Sunday, we were hopeful and we still are. We feel confident in his progress and, you know, feel like he’s gaining ground towards being able to play on Saturday.”
Scott excelled in Miami’s first nine games of the season, racking up 44 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception this year. Pro Football Focus gives Scott a 90.3 defensive grade, which is fourth in the nation among cornerbacks with 100 or more snaps.
Scott missed UM’s last three regular-season games with a foot injury. His replacement, freshman Bryce Fitzgerald, has performed well in his place.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMiami safety Jakobe Thomas said Scott has stayed involved with the defensive backs, trying to help coach them up even while he was absent.
“Keionte’s the best teammate that I think I’ve ever had,” Thomas said. “He’s working absolutely as hard as he possibly can to get back as fast as possible at 100 percent. But day to day, he’s just in the room with us every day, motivating, keeping guys locked in (and) focused, helping us focus on the little minor details and everything.”
Brown would be a big loss for the Hurricanes. He has done well at outside cornerback this season. Brown has 24 tackles and one pass deflection, and he has earned a 75.9 defensive grade from PFF.
Here is Miami’s initial availability report for Texas A&MOUT
-LB Malik Bryant
DOUBTFUL
-WR Daylyn Upshaw
QUESTIONABLE
-DB Damari Brown
PROBABLE
-DB Keionte Scott
AdvertisementAdvertisement
