Interview: 3-Star 2021 South Carolina DE Aries Scott is a Game Changer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For the truth on Class of 2021 defensive end Aries Scott, one needs to go to the film. There, for all to see, one can take in, from a safe distance, the destruction Scott is laying upon 5A South Carolina offenses. Over the last two seasons, the 6-4, 218-pound, speed demon off the edge has repeatedly met up with the opposition’s quarterback in the pocket and can crash down into the B gap like no one’s business. Full season stats have not been updated on Scott over the last two, but in partial campaign information, the three-star prospect put an end to 25 plays with 10 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, forced a fumble and picked up one a year ago (6 games) and during his junior run he ended 24 snaps, 19 solo, with at least three sacks, a tackle for a loss, provided six quarterback hurries, forced two, and batted down a pass (5 games).
Scott enters the offseason to his senior year holding offers from Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina with top ACC and SEC schools watching. For more on his play on the field and the action off it, we sat down for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Aries, looking over your stats, I got you with a fumble recovery but I did not get the stat for you taking out the referee. Is that a sack or just a straight up tackle?
(Laughs) “I’m not sure.”
That defensive front for the Rams is vicious against the run. Looks like you guys are in a base 3-4 with you at end?
“Yes, sir. We run a 3-4 and I am at end.”
Your get off is so quick, and when they have you crashing the B gap tackles are too slow to get to you allowing you to make play after play in the backfield. What are some of the other strengths to your game on defense?
“I use a lot of hand moves, my quickness, my get-off speed is a strength as well. My tackling, and the way I hit are strengths as well.”
Has there been an obstacle along the way for you this season that you had to overcome within a game?
“Yes, sir. I played against a lot of prepared offensive tackles that like to compete. I had trouble getting around some of them. It all worked out in the end. But there are definitely some linemen that had studied me and were trying to stop me. I had some competition this season.”
How did those challenges make you a better football player?
“It made me want to go harder. I competed harder to beat the guy in front of me.”
From the beginning of the season to the end, where did you show the biggest improvements?
“Some of my weakness were containing and squeezing – not getting up the field enough. I was jumping off sides some towards the end of the season. I got better at all of that and was more disciplined.”
Of the games this season, which was your best?
“My personal best game was either Spartanburg or Mauldin – our last one of the season.”
What did you do well in those games to make them your best?
“Mauldin is a rival, and it was senior night. Something in me that night had me going hard all night. I wanted to compete and win.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Kentucky, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Kansas State, and Louisville – there are a lot and I cannot think of them all right now.”
Which schools have offered?
“Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina.”
Nice. Have you taken any visits this fall?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Tennessee, Clemson, South Carolina, and Coastal Carolina.”
How did the trip to Clemson go?
“It was amazing. I loved everything about the program. I like the way they handled us recruits. I was there for the UNC-Charlotte game. I met three of their coaches, I toured the facility, and I went on the field for warm-ups.”
And the South Carolina trip?
“It was amazing as well. I’ve been there so much, they know me well. I know all the coaches and all the recruiting staff at South Carolina. I have been down on the field before the games and I have walked around the football facilities and the campus on my visits.”
Coming up, do you have any planned trips?
“I am going to Appalachian State coming up. UNC-Charlotte is another one and I want to go down to Georgia Southern, Louisville, Duke, and Kentucky.”
With the offseason here, what will you focus on with your workouts?
“My focus is on getting stronger and bigger.”
In the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
“3.17.”
Which classes are your favorites?
“All of them. Most athletes when they are recruited, they let it blow up their heads and they forget about their grades. The way I think about it, there is more to it than football. Grades come first, and football is privilege. You make the right grades you earn the privilege to play football. Some just focus on football and forget their grades.”
Spoken like a wise man. Aries, it was great covering ground with you today. I thank you and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Scott family; Aries Scott at South Carolina