Should Clemson Bring Back Jeff Scott?
By: Grayson Mann
This weekend brought some interesting news to the Clemson community with the information that former co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott was fired at USF.
When the news of his availability dropped online, Clemson fans left and right rejoiced as the idea of him returning to the Tigers was very appealing. The question, however, remains.
Should Clemson bring Jeff Scott back? By looking at his timeline with the Tigers, you can start to grasp what he brings to the table.
Scott did not just bring explosive offense to the Tigers or fantastic wide receiver play; he had his start in the recruiting business and set the standard for what Clemson holds themselves to today within the realm of bringing prospects to contribute to the future of Dabo’s program. Scott was hired in 2008 as Clemson’s recruiting coordinator, and the program immediately saw an impact in 2009 as the Tigers had a top-ten signing class. In the early days of the Swinney era, bringing in such a highly-ranked class was crucial to the building blocks of what the program has become today. In 2011 and 2012, Scott would also bring in the top ten recruiting classes.
Who were in these classes?
In 2009, Clemson would have one of their most prolific passers become the headline player of the 2009 class, with Tajh Boyd being one of the cornerstone players crucial for Clemson’s success today. In 2011, Clemson had a deep class, with Sammy Watkins and Grady Jarrett being the standout players of this class. Clemson also had stars such as Stephone Anthony, Martavis Bryant, Eric Mac Lain, B.J. Goodson, and Adam Humphries. In 2012, Clemson would have more home run prospects that would be a part of Clemson’s first national championship team since 1981, when Clemson won their first title in program history. Some notable names include Carlos Watkins, D.J. Reader, Jay Guillermo, Cordrea Tankersley, and Shaq Lawson. These are names Clemson fans think of when looking back on teams that put Clemson on the map and got them, as Dabo put it, “at the top of the mountain.” In 2014, ESPN listed Jeff Scott as one of the top ten recruiters in the country.
Jeff Scott was not just a great recruiter; he was a coach who produced results and got the most out of his players to contribute to historic offenses. In 2011, Scott had some of the best wide receiver talent in his hand and made the most of it. With star wideout DeAndre Hopkins and freshman Sammy Watkins, both would have stellar years. Hopkins had 72 catches for 978 yards and five scores, and Sammy Watkins would go on an absolute tear, hauling in accolades such as freshman of the year and first-team All-American. Watkins put up 82 catches for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2012, Hopkins would elevate his game with a second-team All-American honor, grabbing 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns, an ACC record and second-most in the country in 2012. In 2013, Sammy Watkins would once again have a monster season. Watkins would be first-team All-ACC and first-team All-American as he would put up unbelievable numbers as the clear top receiver on the Tigers with Hopkins off to the NFL. Watkins had a school-record 101 receptions, a school record of 1,464 yards, and twelve touchdowns. In Scott’s early days as a coach for the Tigers, he had some of the best talents at the wide receiver position and got the most out of them, setting a high standard for what many call “WRU.” He did not just stop at Watkins and Hopkins; he would turn many wide receivers into stars during his time at Clemson. Artavis Scott, one of Deshaun Watson’s top targets, was on the All-ACC team for three seasons, and he would end up breaking the reception record that Sammy Watkins previously set. He also helped develop one of the best walk-ons in Clemson’s history, Hunter Renfrow, who would be awarded the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding player who started their career as a walk-on.
Scott would eventually be elevated within the coaching staff ranks, as before the Russell Athletic bowl in 2014; he would be promoted to offensive Coordinator. Scott would give Tiger fans a reason to get excited about the offense’s future, as Cole Stoudt and company would perform lights out and beat the Oklahoma Sooners 40-6. Stoudt would go 26-36 for 319 yards, and three touchdown passes in relief of Deshaun Watson, who tore his ACL in the regular season. Jeff Scott would have control of some prolific offenses as in 2016, the Tigers put up historical numbers as they averaged over 500 yards per game on their way to their second national title in program history. Scott got the most out of Deshaun Watson, who would be a two-time national finalist and considered one of the best college quarterbacks in recent memory. Scott would go out with another fantastic season in his last year at Clemson. 2018 would mark the fifth time a Clemson team would put up 4,000 passing yards, and this team also joined the 2015 run as the only season where the team put up 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards.
When fans look back on Scott’s career at Clemson, they think of results. With the rumor mill heating up, many fans wonder if this reunion is in the cards for Clemson’s future. Fans will have to wait on that answer as Clemson focuses on taking on the Louisville Cardinals on November 12th.
4 Comments
Bring him back as recruiter & co coordinator .
How do we know Jeff would even be interested? Pretty sure he’ll have options. Coaches get fired all the time, and find a better fit elsewhere..
Definitely Hire JEFF SCOTT BACK…This TIGER TEAM needs Him!!! Let’s Go DABO!!!
Yes coach Jeff Scott would be pretty cool to have back on the team . Either way I know Dabo and the Clemson Tigers will get everything in order in due time. GO Tigers!!!!